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Guidance is something we all need, all the time, especially as we all walk into the unknown year of 2018. And none of us know what to expect this year. Therefore, we need God’s Presence to guide us along the way. And while I was meditating on the journey ahead of us and the guidance we all need, the story of Joshua came one more time in my thoughts.
At the end of the book of Deuteronomy, we read that Moses died. However, Moses was the leader of the children of Israel for 40 years. And God used him to take His people out of Egypt. And not only that, but he was employed by God to build the Tabernacle— the place where God’s Presence rested.
Moses was feared by some Israelites and loved by others. However, all of them respected Moses. But now he is dead. The man who took them out of Egypt and talked with God face to face is far gone. However, before he dies, he appoints Joshua, his disciple, to take his place.
And that was not an easy task for Joshua. He knew how many problems Moses did encounter with the Jews. And how many times they did rebel against him and God. And Joshua knew how stubborn and stiff-necked the people he has to lead are.
Moreover, I am sure Joshua had so many things to think about at that time. He had three million people he had to be responsible for, and he was about to take them into the land of Canaan. And Moses was not there with him to help. He also had to think about the enemies they would face in Canaan. And not any enemies, but giant enemies.
The people all around Joshua were preparing their shields, swords, arrows, bows, spears, and slings. They were talking about Moses’ death and wondered if Joshua would be the right leader for them. For all of them, this was a step of faith. And they did realize they would have to leave the past— their wilderness and the age of Moses— in the past, and move into the promise of God. Because you see, none of us can enter God’s promise for our lives without leaving our past in the past.
And the entire situation could have been overwhelming, as there were so many things for Joshua to think about and plan. However, in the midst of the craziness, God shows up and gives Joshua the secret to success for the season ahead of him.
In Joshua 1:8 (TLV) we read God’s words for Joshua:
This book of the Torah should not depart from your mouth—you are to meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will make your ways prosperous and then you will be successful.
So what can we learn about guidance from this verse?
#1. Guidance comes as we fellowship with God through the Scriptures.
Even though Joshua had lots of other things to think about and meditate on, God is telling him to think about Him— about His Word. God’s Law was not to depart from his mouth— he had to declare it, eat it, read it, know it, and keep it close to his eyes and head. That was his duty and responsibility.
Do you know what needs to happen for a pickle to become a pickle? The vegetables need to remain in water with salt, vinegar, and spices until this mix penetrates the vegetables and are changed. Similarly, we need to let the Holy Spirit penetrate our hearts and lives with the Word of God to be transformed. Remember that the Spirit of God will use the Word of God to make us more like the Son of God!
God can guide our steps in life through His Word more than we realize. Let us fill our lives with His Word as we walk in 2018.
#2. Guidance comes as we apply God’s Word.
Christian meditation is very different from Hindu mediation for example. In the Oriental types of mediation, people mediate with the purpose of emptying their minds from whatever is there and somehow connect themselves with the universe. That’s what they say at least.
However, in this verse, God is telling Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night with the purpose of doing everything written in it. Therefore, we need to always and continually meditate on how God’s Word applies to our lives, no matter the situation. We always need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide our minds and hearts in His Word, in every circumstance.
We need to ask: Holy Spirit, what does the Word of God say for my situation? How can I apply the Word to my life for my current status? I know that no matter what question we have and no matter what problem we face, the answer is in the Word of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the scripture where you can find the answer to your question. And ask for His help to see it and apply it.
Do you agree?
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I am a blogger, writer, pastor, Director of Zion Romania Bible School, husband to Olguta, a father and, most importantly, a child of God. I also completed my studies at the King’s University where I earned a B.A. in Theology with a concentration in Messianic Jewish Studies. I love Israel and I love the ‘Jewishness’ of the Bible.
Good job Moses!!!! ???
Proverbs 4: 20-23-27; Ps’s 27:1-14; 91:1-16 as we meditate on God’s word, He strengthens us by His Spirit at work in our hearts.