18/01/2022
Happy Lord's Day! Grace and mercy unto you. I trust the Lord has kept you and you are abiding in Him.
Kindly turn with me to Joshua chapter 1. Here we find the young Joshua taking a huge responsibility of leading the nation of Israel into the promised land. Joshua was facing a situation he was never prepared to. He was facing the unknown. Like him sometimes we find ourselves in such a situation. What must we do then?
First, we must cling to God's Word. Joshua was told to never allow the book of the Law of God to depart from him. He was to mediate upon it day and night. The law of God was to lead Joshua to obedience. It would also be a source of hope to Joshua as he would see how God was working in the lives of His people.
As the covenant people of God, we must be people of the book. The Bible must never be away from our hands and heart. We must study it, learn it and obey it. Everything changes but God's word remains unchanged.
Second, believe God's promises. God promised Joshua that He would be with him all the days of his life and that He would grant Joshua success. This assurance granted Joshua the courage to face the unknown. He was assured of victory.
God has very specific promises. For example He has said that whoever calls on His Name will be saved. This promise assures us that God will grant salvation to us when we call unto Him. In this we find hope to face the unknown. A majority of our anxieties and depression is because of our lack of faith. Believe God!
Finally, act in response to God's Word. Once he had God's word Joshua responded in obedience. He left no room for doubt. God said it, Joshua had to obey. Many times unlike Joshua we hear God's word, shrug our shoulders and wait for the next sermon. Then we wonder why we have no confidence in facing times of darkness. We cannot live in disobedience and except God to illumine our paths. God has, for instance, promise to save all who calls upon His Name. How many times have you heard this? Have you ever responded in faith and repentance?
May the Lord be gracious to you!
Shalom