“Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel…And his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.”
II Chronicles 17:3-4, 6 NKJV
I used to love scrapbooking. I still enjoy it – but not like I did once upon a time. I would attend between 2 and 4 retreats a YEAR where all we did was scrapbook in our pajamas while watching movies, talking, and laughing. I found such joy in it and couldn’t wait to show my family. Even though this introvert was around a lot of people, I left encouraged. Some events- some things – some people have that power. The ability to leave us inspired and “lifted up”.
It’s the memory I thought of when I meditated on today’s passage. In the Hebrew, it says that Jehoshaphat’s heart was gāḇah – encouraged in the ways of Yahweh; lofty of G-d’s ways; have good sense of His ways. The TLV says his heart was devoted and the NLT says his heart was deeply committed to and courageous in. In other words – Jehoshaphat was “all in” as my friend and colleague would say. His source was the G-d of His father. Jehoshaphat knew of G-d because he watched and listened to his own father. What a legacy!!
There are all sorts of things that can and do inspire me: corporate worship, scrapbooking, writing, and more. But the one thing that promises me a lasting way is His way. Do I enjoy His presence? Do I delight in what delights Him? Do I find courage and joy in His word? Truthfully – I haven’t always.
So how can I – how can we – take delight in Him? First – Jehoshaphat “walked” or hālaḵ – in the ways of G-d. He fashioned his manner of life around what G-d’s law and what pleased Him. More specifically, Jehoshaphat did what he saw David do, he spent time in the presence of G-d and followed Him. Second, Jehoshaphat dāraš – or sought G-d in prayer and worship. Seeds are planted on mountaintop experiences- but Intimacy is birthed in the valleys. It’s when I press in past my feelings that He becomes the friend who sticks closer than a brother. It’s through submission that He lends me His strength. And it’s in quiet moments His voice is most clear to me. He’s doesn’t have favorites – but He does have intimates – and that’s what I really want. To be an intimate of G-d who enjoys His presence more than any other.
Father – thank You for Your presence. Show me how to cultivate intimacy with You. Help me know what it is to take delight in You more than anything else. Help my children learn how to cultivate delight in and intimacy with You. It’s all that really matters in the end. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17
June 26, 2022