Listening has immense benefits. We listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and music that teach us new insights and encourage our hearts. We listen to our loved ones and friends to know their joys and heartaches and to understand how we can love them better. As a blind person and a Christian, listening is my lifeline. I daily have to tune my ears and mind to verbal directions and traffic movements to navigate New York City safely. And I have to spend time tuning my heart to the Lord’s voice each morning so I can see Him in the details of my day.
Josiah listens to God, and as he does, God moves in his heart and mind, leading to actions that reflect his friendship with God. And his leadership, albeit temporarily, brings Judah and the remnant of Israel to center their hearts on the Lord again.
Second Chronicles 34 tells us that Josiah became king at age eight, sought the Lord as David had done, and “did what was right in the LORD’s sight” (2Chronicles 34:1–2). We can’t miss the beautiful, powerful truth here: everything changes when God moves into your heart. Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he reveals his covenant to them.”
Josiah’s seeking led to his doing—beginning by eliminating all obstacles between God and His people. He removed all physical idols, places where they were worshiped, and desecrated the remains of those who had administered their worship (2Chronicles 34:3–7). In friendship with God, no change is off-limits. He wants our hearts, and thankfully, he gives us insight and strength to remove and release anything standing between Him and us.
Josiah then rebuilt and restored the temple, where God lived among His people, though His people had forgotten (vv.8–13). Many scholars believe that God had not been worshiped well not only because of Israel’s numerous idols but because His book had been buried in the bowels of the temple until it was discovered during the restoration (vv.14–15). The words there, words God spoke to Moses, predict that God’s people would reject Him until His judgment mercifully ended their self-destruction. Upon hearing this, Josiah was repentant for his people and sought the Lord again (vv.19–21). God saw that listening to His words had led Josiah to a humble, repentant heart and promised to delay His judgment (vv.23–28).
Josiah continued listening well to God’s words, reinstating the Passover and making a covenant to follow God—all in the presence of God’s people (2Chronicles 34:29–35:19). However, the story sadly ends with Josiah not listening to God’s words, reminding us that there was only one King who could perfectly change the course of God’s people. With His life, Jesus paid for the wrath God’s people (including us) deserved.
I pray that as we see these truths unfolded in Josiah’s story, we are greatly encouraged that God our Father desires to change us—and our corners of the world through us—as we listen to Him, our dearest and most perfect Friend. Let’s respond to Christ’s unbreakable covenant with the wholehearted joyful pursuit of His ways.
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36 thoughts on "King Josiah Renews the Covenant"
I was really interested to read that Egypt had had a Jewish king. I’m intrigued to know when Josiah was ruling time wise
Also one of my favorite Bible teachers Joyce Meyer has openly talked about taking medication herself. And I don’t know anyone more faithful than her:) I wish I could remember the message
I struggle with anxiety and have had flare ups over the years. I suffered for years by refusing to take medication thinking i “should” be able to do it on my own with exercise, diet, therapy, etc… I thought I would be “weak” if I took the meds. After 3 years of doing “all the right things” I was at the end of my rope and had switched doctors. This kind man asked me one simple question: if you had diabetes would you take med for it? And of course I would. He explained the brain sometimes needs help too. So I started meds and they helped tremendously!!! I’ve been off them for years now but if need be, would go on them in a heartbeat. We have to be easy on ourselves and not judge ourselves for not having faith, being able to control all of our thoughts, etc.
On a completely different note, I wonder if Neco was a worshipper of the God of Israel, since 35:22 says that God had indeed spoken to him. Thoughts?
Remember, SHEs, that our brains are an organ, just like any other organ God gave us. Sometimes they don’t function as they should, especially when we have been through incredible stress or trauma. Medication is a gift when used properly. Also, CBD oil has wonderful medicinal properties for those who are comfortable with giving it a try. It can be purchased in most US states now in forms that contain nothing that brings about high that marijuana gives. It’s just not as well scientifically tested and researched because you can’t patent a plant. And it’s also more expensive. So you do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and peace be with you.
@Taylor praying for you and your anxiety! I too struggle with anxiety and have a hard time taking stuff for it. What helped me the most was learning how to change my breathing more than pills! I totally understand the want to go places with only so much PTO. I didn’t plan for two big vacations back to back going to England and then to Mexico but I ended up using LWOP instead. I was nervous since I wouldn’t be getting paid but it was actually kind of freeing to do. I hope you can take the vacations you want! You deserve it! Happy Thursday ladies! Praying for you all.
@Taylor praying for you and your anxiety! I too struggle with anxiety and have a hard time taking stuff for it. What helped me the
Hi Taylor! I echo what someone else said about God sometimes using medications to heal us. They aren’t the end all perfect cure, nor for everyone, but can be helpful for many. I have struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life. It came to a head in my early-mid 20s, and got much more severe. I really struggled with the decision of whether I should take meds, wondering if it was a lack of faith. But I had done everything- I had prayed, fasted, gone to a Christian counselor, went to healing prayer groups, etc. anyhow, at some point, god gave me peace about the meds, that it was ok to accept that help. The first med didn’t work for me, but the second was like a miracle. It was like this grey veil had lifted off of everything. It didn’t change my problems obviously, but changed how I was able to look at them and cope with them. I felt more like myself than I ever had (if that makes sense!). I even saw god in a new light. I was so great full for that healing that I got baptized that year
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I’m late to studying today. I had coffee with one of Tanner’s best friends this morning. she tends to be a bit all over the place in terms of career, where to life, etc. I love her dearly. Today I prayed before meeting with her. Our conversation lead to an opening and I could share my faith! She left and immediately bought the Case For Christ. Please pray for Ariel to hear God’s voice calling to her. She has a “science” lead brain.
Thank you!
The devo was great today!
I’m not always good at stopping and listening to God, but I pray I would get better at this skill. The only way I can truly follow God is to know what he is telling me to do.
I pray that I would listen well to your spirit Jesus.
I am incredibly humbled by the advice of Ginny to listen closely to what God says, from navigating the steps to life directions. I need to work on my listening to God’s voice more and more. Thank you Ginny. God warned king Josiah using the mouth of Necho the Egyptian king to stay out of this, but Josiah didn’t take the advice, and paid the price of death (…Josiah hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God- 2 Chronicles 35:22 KJV). How many times have I dismissed the voice of God when He chose to speak through an unbeliever? He even used a donkey to speak to one of his prophets. Oh Lord …forgive my ignorance, help me to discern your voice even if it comes from a donkey. Let me not miss your directions and suffer.
@SEARCHING: ❤ joining you in prayers for other sisters.
@MICHELLE PATIRE: what a mighty testimony you shared.
Rejoicing with you DOROTHY and FOSTER MAMA :)
Be blessed dear sisters.
Two items stood out to me today as I read the Scripture and devotional; the first was in 2 Chronicles 35:18 “Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel.” That means not even David had as spectacular and awe-inspiring Passover celebration, now that’s saying something!!! I can’t imagine how great this was and it went on for seven days. Praising and worshipping God!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
The other item that stood out was what Ginny wrote at the end of our devotional, “Let’s respond to Christ’s unbreakable covenant with the wholehearted joyful pursuit of His ways.” All I can say to that is YES LORD!!! and AMEN!!! AMEN!!! AMEN!!!
Sisters I have a praise, it looks like my grandson, George, might be able to go home this weekend. He has gained weight and feeding well and keeping his temp up on his own. GOD IS GOOD!!!
Be blessed and praise God, Christ and the Holy Spirit for everything, even the little things sisters.
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Loved, loved, loved this devotional by Ginny Owens. I even read over chapter 34. I love how this young man (King Josiah) back, then stood for what was right and was so wise at such a young age. All the more to keep pursuing my relationship with Jesus. And that is my prayer for my two beautiful children. TODAY, 22 years ago I was blessed with an amazing son. Caleb. I thank God so much for the privilege of being his mother. He is an amazing son, and he loves Jesus so much and seeks Him. Please pray for him as he navigates through relationship issues. My mother’s heart prays he would be wise just King Josiah was. And I would appreciate prayers as he took a two day camping trip by himself along the coast. I love how adventurous he is, and doesn’t mind being alone. My prayer that during this an alone time he would hear the voice of God.
Good morning everyone!! Praying for you all! @Taylor, praying for you, for wisdom and discernment on what to do. Since I started on anxiety medication it has helped me, but it is different for everyone and is really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. Either way God will teach you something through this!!
Excited for the weekend, I have a four day weekend to visit my brother and his wife! Excited for a break and time to rest/enjoy time with family. Thankful for Christ, even in the hard times. he is our Shepherd. I listened to a really great message from The Porch ministry yesterday, if you look up The Porch on YouTube it was on how the Lord is our Shepherd. So encouraging when I want to know it all and have control. He is with us always.
GINNY OWENS- Thank you for this beautifully encouraging devotional. “… we are greatly encouraged that God our Father desires to change us—and our corners of the world through us—as we listen to Him, our dearest and most perfect Friend. Let’s respond to Christ’s unbreakable covenant with the wholehearted joyful pursuit of His ways.” Listening to ‘our dearest and most perfect friend’ and with our whole heart being in ‘joyful pursuit of His ways’ – such a beautiful challenge!
MOLLY R – I thought of you as I read of the words of Moses being uncovered in the clean up of the temple. How many times do we uncover a family treasure as we go about such work!
That also makes me ponder what I have allowed to ‘pile up/take up space in my heart that should be devoted to Jesus alone.
TAYLOR, possibly the anxiety has been triggered by the upcoming review and won’t be an issue afterwards. Prayers for peace in that process.
@Searching amen! thank you! :) @Rebecca W– thank you!:) I pray all our stories continue to encourage one another. Praying for your children, @Rebecca- I have seen another friend who went down the same path as me turn toward Christ when her partner starting pursuing faith in Christ. I’ve seen Him work things together for good in her life. I have silently prayed for her for many years, after my own deliverance. He is able, with or without us, to save them. I pray you don’t lose faith but trust in Him even more to do what we can’t do. He hears and He is more than able.
@Taylor- praying you heed the voice of the Holy Spirit. Only you and God know what’s best for you, even keeping in mind the voice of well intentioned friends/family. I’ve been prescribed many things in life, but the Lord has given me personally a conviction to trust Him over medication altering moods. I know not everyone has the same story, but I encourage you to trust in your instincts and trust the Lord to walk you through your bouts of anxiety. You are not your anxiety, friend. God be with you and carry you through the hardest moments. He loves you and He will lead you to choose what is best for you. :)
Psalm 25::14! Need to work on my listening!
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Help us to have listening ears, dear Jesus, that we may follow your ways. We know we will stumble but are assured you are there to set us right again when we humble ourselves and repent. Help us to do that.
@Taylor, I believe God gave us the discovery of medicines to be used for good and healing. It is our misuse that leads to trouble. If you have honestly prayed and sought medical advice and medication was encouraged, then you should not feel ashamed or of little faith for taking it. Years ago I went through a very tough time and felt the same way you do now, that my faith alone should be enough. But sometimes it can be used as a lifeline to bring us back to steady ground, and that may be a gift from God. Prayers for you sweet sister.
@ REBECCA W, @ KIMBERLY Z, @ VICTORIA E @ MERCY [I assume ;) @ SEARCHING @ KELLY (NEO)] and to all who prayed for me…a big thank you ♥️ My meeting yesterday went fairly well and I will be jumping in head first with this new client, leaving much to God to help me sort out :D
God bless you abundantly and please always keep me in your prayers.
Amen
En
Ch 35:21 – my note on this verse: we must heed God’s voice even trough our enemies or people we don’t like. Josiah chose to listen to God when it came from his own priests and prophets but not King Neco.
Thank you all for your wisdom shared here each day. It is always encouraging to me even though I don’t always post :)
One of my favorite lines was, “His judgment mercifully ended their self destruction.” We often view God’s judgment and wrath in a negative light. But His judgment can be merciful to save us from our own ways that are leading to destruction.
Yes!!
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Jesus thank you for Your sacrifice that makes me righteous by Your Blood and not my works. God thank You for loving us enough to send Your only Son to save us all. I want to be more like Jesus. Holy Spirit help me. In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you for a great devotion Ginny! So thankful for this time and this platform to tune my heart to the Lord’s daily. I pray I would have the insight and strength to remove and release anything standing between me and God.
I have a few prayer requests! Today is my annual review (celebrating 2 years of being an occupational therapist on April 5th!) so prayers that goes well as I make some pretty big asks of my boss. Another prayer request is that I have a lot of things I want to do this summer and only so much PTO, so prayers for discernment on where to spend my time off. Lastly, my anxiety has been flaring up the last few days. My friends are encouraging me to take anxiety medication that I’ve been prescribed, but for some reason I feel so hesitant to take it. If you can please also join me in praying for discernment/wisdom over whether or not to take the medication I would greatly appreciate it. I hope you all have a blessed day <3
We can’t fathom the wrath of God that Jesus endured for the depravity of His children. If anyone grasped even a glimpse of what His life and death meant, there could be power to bring repentance and worship of the only mighty King of kings. When the depths of sin is understood, the more the astonishment, the amazement, the gratitude, the change, and the worship, and joy there could be!
Amen, KELLY (NEO).
MERCY – that verse, 2 Chron 7:14, hits the proverbial nail on the head. If only …
DOROTHY – praying for Carol, and for you
MICHELLE PATIRE – thank you for sharing your story. So much truth in what you said about being obsessed with the spiritual rather than Jesus. May they turn away and run toward Jesus.
FOSTER MAMA – there were parts of your story that mirrored my own, thank you for sharing. Praying for wisdom in client decisions.
CEE GEE ❤️ That definition got my attention too
NADS – good to see you
Yesterday’s HRT by Colin Ross was good, on the power of repentance.
Praying for my sisters here, KACIE, TINA, CHURCHMOUSE, ERB, KARRIE, LYNNE FROM AL, MARTHA HIX, GRAMSIESUE, JENNIFER LOVES JESUS, BOTH ANGIE’s, BRIELLE HEBERT, PAMC, ABI, MIA FAITH and others.
The most encouraging message of this study has been that seeking God’s council must always be first to be in a true relationship with Him. And this is so convicting to me because, as someone who likes order, I many times follow paths thinking I can control a situation’s outcome on my own. And fail because I haven’t really turned to God in prayers for His guidance. So, as we continue this study, may the Spirit continue to give us clarity and discernment about seeking God’s counsel in everything we do.
Thank you Ginny!
God, I want to pursue your ways. Please give me a steadfast heart. Change me and those in the corner of my world as we listen to you.
Another imperfectly lived life of faith, yet God blessed the faith that was there.
Lord, increase me faith. Strengthen where it is weak that I may serve You faitfully.