“And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah” (2 Chronicles 17:6).

The Lord was blessing Judah because of the deliberate decisions King Jehoshaphat was making. He deliberately chose to serve the Lord God and remove the idols that were found in Judah. When the Bible speaks of his heart being lifted up in the ways of the Lord, it actually means that his heart was growing in delight or being strengthened in God’s ways. This makes me think of Rusty. Rusty was the only Christian on his football team. The rides on the bus to and back from the games were really hard for him. He was surrounded by guys who were very ungodly. One day Pastor Kenward spoke to Rusty about his testimony. “I know you are under a lot of pressure, Rusty. But remember, so was Jehoshaphat. Without being arrogant and mean-spirited, he stood for God in the midst of many pagans. I’ll be praying that God gives you strength as well. We’re in this together, Rusty,” Pastor Kenward said. Rusty never forgot it. The bus rides didn’t suddenly become easy; but he became stronger.

For today: What pagan idolatry do you face today? Remember King Jehoshaphat. Ask God to help your heart to be “lifted up” in God’s ways.