Seminary
Lesson 90: 2 Chronicles 14–16—“If Ye Seek Him, He Will Be Found of You”
Jesus Christ with His arm extended

2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30: Lesson 90

2 Chronicles 14–16

“If Ye Seek Him, He Will Be Found of You”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Some people might seek Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only when things are going well. Others might cry out for Their help only in times of trouble. When do you seek God? Asa, king of Judah, highlighted the importance of seeking God when times get tough—and even when they’re calm. This lesson can help you make a plan to seek the Lord.

Study the Scriptures

What comes to your mind when you think of a quest?

Elder José A. Teixeira of the Seventy shared:

9:43
Elder José A. Teixeira

The Lord said, “[Seek] me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:36]. Seeking the Lord and feeling His presence is a daily quest, a worthwhile effort. (“Seeking the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 96)

How might seeking the Lord and feeling His presence be “a daily quest”? As you study today, look for ways you can seek the Lord. Write any thoughts or feelings that come to you from the Holy Ghost.

The books of Chronicles and Kings cover roughly the same time period. In 2 Chronicles 14–16 and 1 Kings 15, we read an account of King Asa, the third king of Judah. Like Asa, we can seek the Lord during both peaceful and difficult times.

mark iconChoose one of the following truths and read the accompanying verses. Mark in one color how Asa and his people sought the Lord. Mark in another color how God blessed them.

As I seek the Lord with all my heart, He will give me rest.

If I seek the Lord, I will find Him.

Balm of Gilead

Balm of Gilead, by Annie Henrie Nader

note iconCreate a note next to one of the verses you studied with the bolded truth it teaches. Then respond to one or more of the following questions in your note or in a notebook:

  • What did you learn from the experiences of Asa and his people?

  • What do you think it means to find the Lord?

  • What might it look like for the Lord to give us rest?

notebook iconIf available, study one of the following resources and make a list of ways you can seek the Lord.

  1. President Russell M. Nelson, “Make Time for the Lord,“ from time code 1:00 to 3:29:

    5:49

  2. The “Invitations” portion of each of the major sections in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (2022). Major sections include “Jesus Christ Will Help You” and “Love God, Love Your Neighbor.”

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

What can happen when I choose not to rely on God?

Jesus healing a lame man

Later in life, Asa chose to rely on other things rather than turning to the Lord. For example, instead of trusting God to help him, Asa looted silver and gold from the temple to buy Syria’s help in defeating his enemies (see 2 Chronicles 16:1–6).

mark iconRead 2 Chronicles 16:7–12. Look for another example of how Asa chose not to rely on God. Mark any phrases that show what Asa relied on instead of God.

Asa’s mistake wasn’t seeking help from physicians. It was not seeking help from the Lord. For more information about the roles of faith and medicine in healing, see Dallin H. Oaks, “Healing the Sick,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 47.

notebook iconIn your notebook, write a truth that can help you or others understand how to balance seeking help from other sources and seeking help from God.

Option B

How can I make God the Captain of my life?

young girl praying outside with scriptures

What do you think it means to have God as our Captain? In 2 Chronicles 13, we learn about Abijah, Asa’s father. The Israelites had split into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. A war broke out between Israel, led by King Jeroboam, and Judah, led by King Abijah.

mark iconRead 2 Chronicles 13:10–12. Mark phrases that show to what Abijah and his people turned. (Note: Burning sacrifices and other activities in verse 11 were part of the priests’ duties for worshipping in the temple.)

link iconRead and link Hebrews 2:10 to 2 Chronicles 13:12. You might also create a note with the truth God is our Captain. Include in your note what you have experienced to help you know God is a perfect Captain or what you know about God that makes Him a perfect Captain.

Read 2 Chronicles 13:13–18. Look for what happened because Abijah and his people relied on God as their Captain.

Now What?

notebook iconPick one thing you can do to seek the Lord. Plan how you can include this action in your life. Answering the following questions may help with your plan.

  • Why do you think this action might help you find the Lord more in your life?

  • What challenges might you face as you strive to do this?

  • What specific steps can you take to do it despite these challenges?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you make a plan to seek the Lord.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your plan to seek the Lord more in your life

  • What you know about God that could help someone rely on Him in a difficult situation

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?