United We Seek

The messenger’s words hung heavy in the throne room. Three armies were marching toward Jerusalem—the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites had formed an alliance against Judah. In the face of such overwhelming odds, King Jehoshaphat did something remarkable—he sought the Lord first. Before drawing up battle plans, before calling his military advisors, before assessing his resources, he turned his eyes heavenward. His response in this moment of crisis would not only save his nation but become a timeless blueprint for facing impossible situations.

Crisis has a way of revealing our default settings. When trouble strikes, some of us immediately grab our phones to call a friend. Others dive into problem-solving mode, crafting strategies and backup plans. A few might curl up in despair, while many start googling solutions frantically. These instinctive responses speak volumes about where we believe our strength truly lies. Jehoshaphat’s story challenges these natural inclinations with a radical alternative. His “first response” strategy wasn’t just admirable—it was revolutionary.

The Hebrew word for “seek” used in this passage is “darash,” and it’s fascinating. It doesn’t just mean a casual inquiry or a quick prayer. This word carries the weight of intense pursuit, like a detective pursuing every lead or a miner digging deep for precious metals. When the text says Jehoshaphat “resolved to inquire of the LORD,” it’s describing a deliberate, determined action. The king wasn’t just tossing up a desperate prayer—he was setting his entire being on a focused quest for God’s presence and direction.

During the darkest days of World War II, Britain faced what seemed like inevitable defeat. In May 1940, as Nazi forces advanced across Europe, newly-appointed Prime Minister Winston Churchill did something extraordinary—he called for a National Day of Prayer. On May 26, as German tanks were closing in on British troops at Dunkirk, millions of British citizens flocked to churches, seeking divine intervention. What followed was the miraculous evacuation of 338,000 soldiers, enabled by unexplainable weather conditions that grounded German aircraft and calmed the turbulent English Channel. This historical moment, known as the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” powerfully illustrates how seeking God first can turn the tide of seemingly impossible situations.

The power of Jehoshaphat’s response lies in its corporate nature. Notice how the text says “he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” In our individualistic culture, we often want to handle our crises privately. But Jehoshaphat understood something profound: seeking God is exponentially more powerful when done in community. His call wasn’t just for personal piety but for national pursuit of God’s presence.

What makes this story particularly remarkable is the timing. Three powerful armies were bearing down on Judah. In human terms, there wasn’t a moment to waste on spiritual matters. Military strategy, defensive preparations, and diplomatic negotiations would seem more practical. Yet Jehoshaphat’s response defied conventional wisdom. He understood that seeking God wasn’t a delay but the most strategic first move possible.

The text gives us a beautiful detail: “they came from every town in Judah.” This wasn’t just the religious leaders or the professional prayer warriors. Everyone came—farmers left their fields, merchants closed their shops, craftsmen set down their tools. In crisis, they discovered their true identity: not just citizens of Judah, but seekers of God. This unified response created a powerful spiritual momentum that would ultimately lead to supernatural victory.

Throughout history, great spiritual awakenings have often begun in times of crisis. The Welsh Revival of 1904 erupted during a time of severe economic hardship. The Great Awakening in America coincided with colonial crises. When God’s people respond to difficulty by seeking Him first, something extraordinary happens. The crisis becomes a catalyst for transformation rather than destruction.

“The reality is, my strength is not found in my seeking, but in the One I seek,” writes Charles Spurgeon. This profound truth illuminates our passage perfectly. The power wasn’t in Jehoshaphat’s seeking itself, but in the God who responds to those who seek Him. The act of seeking becomes a declaration of dependence, an acknowledgment that our strength lies not in our resources but in our relationship with God.

This seeking wasn’t a one-time event but became Judah’s operating system. The people didn’t just seek God during the crisis and then return to business as usual. This experience taught them that seeking God wasn’t just a crisis response but a lifestyle. They learned that their greatest strength wasn’t in their army, their wealth, or their wisdom, but in their continued connection to God. Their crisis became a masterclass in spiritual priorities.

Fellow Godseekers, the invitation extends to us today. Are we willing to make seeking God our first response rather than our last resort? Will we gather others to seek Him with us when crisis strikes? The strength we need isn’t found in better strategies or resources but in deeper seeking. Let today be the day we resolve, like Jehoshaphat, to inquire of the Lord first, fast if necessary, and gather others to seek Him with us.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for making seeking You our last resort instead of our first response. Teach us the power of corporate seeking and help us gather others to seek Your face in times of crisis. Give us the courage to set aside our natural responses and turn to You first. Thank You that You are a God who responds when we seek You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What is typically your first response in a crisis? How might prioritizing seeking God first change your outcomes?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to gather others to seek God with you?

Step of Faith

Today, I will identify one challenge in my life and gather at least one other person to seek God’s guidance with me before taking any other action.