After king Rehoboam established his kingdom, he and all Israel forsook the law of the Lord. The king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem because they had transgressed against the Lord. 

In 2 Chronicles 12:5 the Lord indicted the children of Israel with these words, “…You have forsaken Me…” In verse six they humbled themselves. In verse 7 it says that the Lord saw their humility and did not destroy them.

Then He gave them a test. Verse 8 says, “Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations.” Verse 12 says of king Rehoboam, “When he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord was turned from him.”

Stop a minute and take a deep breath. Verse 14 says, “And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.” Seeking the Lord requires a humble heart. It is not a one time event ~ it is a lifestyle.