Thursday August 20, 2020

Today’s Reading: Joshua 18:1-6

So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you delay going out to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, gave you?”

Joshua 18:3

Meditation: While God is faithful to provide us with abundant blessings, we can keep ourselves from receiving what God wants for us. Even after God gives to the Israelites the Land He has promised them for generations, the people are slow to take possession of it. Perhaps they are too wearied after battling against their enemies to go after it, or too fearful of exploring an unknown territory that is strange to them. Or maybe they have become too content with their lifestyle and are reluctant to settle into this new and far better home. For whatever reason, by not receiving the blessings of God, they risk squandering the opportunity to enjoy all that the Lord has given to them.

God has more in store for them than they are willing to receive. How often can this happen to us too? Perhaps we get too wearied from battling through difficult situations to move forward with God in hope and renewed faith. Or maybe we want to step out in faith in God, but fear the unknown more than we trust in Him. Maybe we believe in the truth of God’s promises, but remain too focused on keeping what we have to trust in His leading. If any of these situations are ours, let us thank God for the lessons we can learn from the Israelites. We don’t have to keep ourselves from what God provides. Instead, we can trust in the certainty of His providence and faithfulness. Our lives are lived in true fullness of joy when we open ourselves to what He has in store for us.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your abundant blessing and Your continued care. Thank You for Your perfect Love. Forgive me for the times that I resist following You to new places of faith and trust in You. By Your Spirit and Truth, Lord, I pray that You grow me. Help me to willingly follow where You lead and exchange the meager things I have for the heavenly riches You provide. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 13:1-25; Joshua 18-19; Job 29