King Jehoshaphat could have lived any way he wanted and done whatever he wanted. Instead, he chose to follow the Lord. The result was that the Lord “was with” him and blessed him.

These words do not mean that God was present – as He is present everywhere. It means that it was evident that God was doing things in his life and works. It was not mere “luck,” but it could only be explained by saying that “God was with him.”

The presence of God – because He is pleased with that person – is evident to others. Unfortunately, there are many professing believers who do not have such blessing in their lives – and no one thinks of God when they are around. The phrase “the Lord was with” a certain person is used 18 times in the Bible – and it always meant a noticeable difference.

One place where it is especially noticeable is in Acts 11:21, where the Bible says: “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” This phrase is only used two times in the New Testament; the other place is speaking of Christ, in Luke 1:66.

Two conditions are given in the text verses above, which speaks of Jehoshaphat. First, he walked like David – a man in love with God and His Word. Second, he did what God wanted him to do – “walked in his commandments” – he obeyed the Word.

If you want the blessing of having God with you so that God uses you in His service, obey the Word as completely as possible. Remember that God promises: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8).