Walking with Him: Jumping Jehosophat!
2 Chronicles 14-20; 26, 30, Come Follow Me: Old Testament 2026
(July 20-26)
Three Thoughts from Terri
Jumping Jehosophat! Jehosophat was a righteous Old Testament King of Judah. There’s no record of him jumping, but this catchphrase became popular in the mustachioed Looney Tunes character, Yosemite Sam. It’s an expression of surprise or astonishment, similar to “holy moly” or “good grief”. Maybe that’s exactly what Jehosophat’s people said when instead of being attacked by the combined armies of Ammon, Moab and mount Seir, they found dead bodies and riches galore (2 Chronicles 20:24-25).
Prior to this miracle Jehosophat turned to the Lord, acknowledging this war could not be won, “...we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives and their children” (2 Chronicles 20: 12, 13).
“Our eyes are upon thee.” This verse spoke to me this week and I’ve pondered “when are my eyes focused on Him”? For me, it’s easier to look to God in the hard times, but my eyes tend to wander in the good times. Honestly, even in the hard times, I’ll look to myself to solve the problem before looking to God for solutions or miracles. President Oaks’ example (see below) offers a remedy for these lost opportunities to strengthen my relationship with Him. Beginning the day with prayerful prioritization and ending the day with prayerful accountability. Jumping Jehosophat! Wouldn’t this be an amazing holy habit to develop?
Two Thoughts from Others
“May I offer a practical suggestion that could help you to simplify and focus on what matters most? One of the greatest gifts and tools that God has given us to help us simplify and to prioritize is prayer. I learned this truth from President Oaks.
When asked this question, “With the many important things that you have to do each day, how do you know what matters most?” President Oaks replied that the first thing he does each day is offer prayer expressing his foremost desire to know and do God’s will. He then goes on a walk; he ponders what the Lord would have him do. He returns to pray again for confirmation of his thoughts and for further direction in dividing the light from the darkness in that day’s decisions and endeavors.” (Elder Steven D. Shumway)
“Abiding in Christ is not an occasional or casual act; it is a constant, conscious, and sacred choice. It is allowing His holy teachings to abide in us, elevating our thoughts and governing our words in every setting—including the digital spaces where we so often interact—and purifying and consecrating our actions unto Him. It is letting our daily choices be guided by the covenants we have made with Him and allowing our lives to be directed by His loving and constant influence through the Holy Ghost. It is choosing to listen to His voice and the voice of His servants and following what they teach, above all the enticing voices of the world.” (Elder Ulisses Soares)
One Question for You
When are your eyes focused on Him?