Reading through the books of Chronicles shows us a cycle of war and peace that can be quite disheartening. The people of God did not always seek God and were led by some good kings and some bad kings, all of which had a profound influence on what happened to them. In the middle of 2 Chronicles, we read about Asa, a king who served God wholeheartedly and as a result ‘the kingdom was at peace under him.’ (2 Chron 14:5-6)

The pathway to peace under Asa had three characteristics which also apply to us.

1. Seek God wholeheartedly. The people in desperation had cried out to the Lord. (2 Chron 13:14) Asa sought God wholeheartedly and endeavoured to do what was right. (2 Chron 14:4,7). Asa was reminded,If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.’ (2 Chron 15:2) The people followed his example: They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.‘ (2 Chron 15:12) Jeremiah reminds us also of this principle (Jer 29:13). There is no substitute for seeking God wholeheartedly – something which takes time and effort.

2. Obey God fully. Obedience is always what God wants from His people. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands.‘ (2 Chron 14:4) There is no substitute for doing what God says. (James 1:22)

3. Rely on God totally. We are told, ‘The men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.’ (2 Chron 13:18, see also 2 Chron 14:11) It’s so easy to come up with our own plans and solutions, but God is looking for dependent people (see Prov 3:5-6). Peace comes when we do not lean on our own understanding or look to ourselves or others for solutions, but trust in God.

(Thanks to Nicky Gumbel for this thoughts on these passages which sparked this post.)