Turn Your Face First

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier 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 practices of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 17:3 to 4, ESV)

Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah, entrusted with leadership, protection, and direction for a nation. Yet Scripture highlights something deeper than his position. He chose to seek the Lord first.

Jehoshaphat lived when compromise felt easy. Idols filled the land. He could have followed the crowd, but he chose a quieter courage. He set his heart to seek the Lord first.

That phrase settles in my spirit this week. Seek first. Not later. Not when I am desperate. Not after every other option fails. Jehoshaphat did not offer God what was left. He turned his face to the God of his father and walked in His ways.

God still calls us to that simple, steady order. “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Deuteronomy 5:6 to 7) Modern life hides its idols better, but the question stays the same. Who gets first place in my decisions, my desires, my fears, my plans?

Jesus echoes this same order with a promise that steadies the heart: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Seeking God first does not shrink your life. It aligns your life. It clears the noise, steadies the priorities, and anchors you in the Father’s care.

As you step into this week, pause before the rush. Ask first. Lord, what do You want here? Invite Him into the choice before you, the purchase you consider, the conversation you need, the opportunity you weigh. Let His voice lead. Everything else finds its place after Him.

Shalom, JM