Strength, Stumbles, and Seeking God

May 9th Bible Study: 2 Chronicles 16-20

Read 2 Chronicles 16-20**or listen to it here:**2 Chronicles 16-20 Audio

đź’– Scripture of the Day

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” — 2 Chronicles 20:12

Woman Reading Bible with Coffee

These chapters highlight the end of Asa’s reign and the rise of Jehoshaphat, a king who sought to honor God in his leadership. Asa’s early trust gives way to self-reliance, ending in a sad decline. In contrast, Jehoshaphat shows courage and devotion, reforms worship, and seeks God’s help in the face of overwhelming odds. We see that even godly leaders can misstep, but those who return to God find strength, wisdom, and victory. These chapters teach us that faith must be active, not just declared—especially when we’re under pressure.

đź“™ Overview of 1 Chronicles 16-20

  • 🔹 2 Chronicles 16 – King Asa relies on men, not God, and faces consequences.
  • 🔹 2 Chronicles 17 – Jehoshaphat reigns with faith and strengthens Judah spiritually.
  • 🔹 2 Chronicles 18 – A dramatic alliance with Ahab reveals the cost of compromising with evil.
  • 🔹 2 Chronicles 19 – Jehoshaphat brings reform and encourages judges to rule in godly fear.
  • 🔹 2 Chronicles 20 – Surrounded by enemies, Jehoshaphat prays, and God delivers Judah miraculously.

📢 God Sees, Strengthens, and Saves

These chapters reveal how much God values faith that acts. When leaders and people seek Him sincerely, He moves powerfully. May we lead and live with hearts loyal to God.

📚 Bible Study Points and Reflections

  • đź”– 2 Chronicles 16: Finishing Well
    • 📌 Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9 — “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
    • đź’ˇ Reflection: Asa started well but ended in self-reliance. God is looking for loyal hearts, not perfect records.
    • âť“ Application: Are you still trusting God, or have you slipped into self-dependence?
  • đź”– 2 Chronicles 17: Bold Beginnings
    • 📌 Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 17:6 — “His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord.”
    • đź’ˇ Reflection: Jehoshaphat’s courage to remove idols and teach God’s Word led to spiritual renewal.
    • âť“ Application: What bold step can you take to put God first in your life or home?
  • đź”– 2 Chronicles 18: The Danger of Compromise
    • 📌 Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 18:1 — “Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.”
    • đź’ˇ Reflection: Compromising with ungodly influences can blur spiritual discernment.
    • âť“ Application: Where are you tempted to compromise, and how can you guard your heart?
  • đź”– 2 Chronicles 19: Justice with Reverence
    • 📌 Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 19:7 — “Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully.”
    • đź’ˇ Reflection: Leadership and justice should be guided by a reverent fear of God.
    • âť“ Application: How can you reflect God’s character in decisions and leadership roles?
  • đź”– 2 Chronicles 20: Victory Through Worship
    • 📌 Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:12 — “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
    • đź’ˇ Reflection: In crisis, Jehoshaphat led the people in prayer and worship—and God responded with victory.
    • âť“ Application: In overwhelming moments, is your first response to worry or to worship?

✨ Encouragement of the Day

Your battle belongs to the Lord. When you don’t know what to do, fix your eyes on Him—He will fight for you.


📝 Journal Prompt

When have you tried to fix something in your own strength and failed? What would it look like to trust God instead this week?

đź’¬ Discussion Question

Why is it so hard to depend on God first, especially when pressure or crisis hits?

🙏 Prayer: Lord, thank You for seeing my heart. Help me turn to You first in every situation—especially when I feel overwhelmed. Keep me from compromise and strengthen me to live with bold faith, humble trust, and obedient worship. Amen