Verse 25 strikes me. Here is said of Josiah, king of Judah, something that is not said of any other king. Period. Not that I've read; and it says so in the text.
"Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him."
Josiah saw truth and acted upon it. I can't count how many times I've heard the truth and acted. I don't believe there are many, though. What made Josiah so different from me? Why did he turn, while I sit and wade in the pool of my sins sometimes? What did he have that I don't? I don't know.
He had just received the Law of Moses. So he had God's Word. He was confronted with his sin. And he destroyed the physical manifestations of sin. He let God take care of his heart. Maybe I hold on. The apostle Paul said it's a struggle - a battle or war.
God of all creation, You are seated as my judge, and You are just. You are fair and compassionate. Father, You are gracious and merciful in Your forgiveness of my sins. But there is no excuse. I apologize for not being the warrior for the kingdom I should be. Lord, I am lazy in my faith and I do not take the Word, Your Holy Scriptures, to the masses for them to come to know You. I fail. But You are able to conquer. You have conquered my heart, God, lead me to conquer the hearts of those around me through Your Holy Spirit. Father God, please stay with Jess and me. Lord, never leave. Sometimes I feel like You're distant. Although, I know it is only I keeping my distance. I love You, Lord, and I ask You to provide me with a way to pay for school, to purchase a vehicle, and to start a brand new life with Jess, worshiping You in Your glory. In Christ's name. amen