Day 8: Devotion and Conviction

2 Chronicles 34:2—3 (ESV)

 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.

2 Kings 23:3(ESV)

And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.

Reflection

At just eight years old, young Josiah was named the king of Judah. He inherited a land of immorality and idol worship and was called to lead a people whose hearts were far from God. Many kings before him were known for doing what was right in their own eyes, pridefully leading God’s people astray and seeking their own gain. Yet, Josiah took a different path and purposed to seek the one true God, devoting himself to “walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments.” 

His devotion to seeking the Lord led to great conviction and it all began with the Words of scripture piercing Josiah’s heart.  Devotion should welcome conviction, knowing that conviction leads to transformation. Through Josiah, the nation that had been steeped in idolatry and spiritual decay experienced miraculous transformation, renewing the covenant between God and the people.

This passage is a reminder that seeking the Lord doesn’t depend on age, background, or circumstances. Josiah didn’t wait to be older, more experienced, or for a time when it might be more convenient. He sought God earnestly and aligned his heart with God’s will. The phrase “he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” paints a picture of unwavering focus. In a world full of distractions and competing voices, Josiah fixed his eyes on the Lord and didn’t veer off course. That kind of steadfast devotion is what God still desires from His people today. 

Food for Thought

• When we seek the Lord, He is sure to meet us and reveal Himself to us
• How was Josiah convicted, and how can we be convicted to bring about spiritual transformation in our land?
• In this season, what would it look like to welcome conviction from God’s Word rather than resist it? What would it look like to count the cost of tearing down what the enemy has tried to build up? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I open your Word, I open my heart ready to receive it. If it convicts me, I receive it. If it encourages me, I receive it. If it challenges me, I receive it. Even if it is hard to receive, let me receive it with joy. Here I am. Speak, for your servant is listening. 

Submitted by Anna Hearn