"But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.” Joshua 23:8
I celebrated my fiftieth birthday this past Sunday and this week I have done a lot of reflecting over my life. Age gives us a perspective that the young often do not have or even understand. I am reminded of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson which says “The years teach much which the days never know.” In looking back over the years I understand even more now what Emerson was saying. It was also a perspective that Joshua had at the end of his days as he gives his last words to Israel.
Joshua reminds the people in chapter 23 what God has done, what He has promised and what God will continue to do. As I read this chapter I too was reminded of what God has done in my life.
Looking back there is evidence of a holy, sovereign God who has always been there watching, working, waiting and drawing me near to Him.
There has been forgiveness of sin and grace poured out. There has been healing and hope. God has turned hurt, pain, and sorrow into good. He has walked with me in the darkest of nights and the harshest of storms. When I couldn’t bear the pain any longer He would carry me through. God has kept His promises to never leave or forsake me. He has taught me His word, of His love and who He is. Has has been patient with me as I have learned to separate truth from lies. He has shown me who I am in Christ and given me a brand new heart of hope, love and joy.
Oh dear one, can you look back over you life and see all the wonders God has done? Can you see your life through God’s eyes? Through His truth? Can you see His goodness in your life?
The more I see and know my God I find the less I want of what this world has to offer. Joshua tells the people to not associate with the nations around them. Do not be drawn to the worlds idols, or the worlds way of thinking for God’s anger will burn against them. However, we are to cling to the Lord God. We are to stand firm, keep and do all that is written in the Word of God. We are to be diligent in our love for the Lord.
The years have shown me that the things of this world will always fail to bring true joy, peace or happiness. However God will always remain faithful. My history with Him proves it. God has shown me that His word is true, He does not fail and all His promises will be fulfilled in my life.
So as I begin a new decade with my God my prayer is that I will grow to cling more and more to a Sovereign, Holy, Just, Good God and less to anything this world has.
Oh Father thank you for your faithfulness in my life. Thank you for the constant pouring out of love, grace and mercy as I have walked on this journey with You. Thank you for your patience as I have learned to trust You in all things, even those things I still may not understand. Father You are a holy God, and I know I can trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. May my heart never turn away from you and cling to worthless things of this world. Continue to create in me a heart that clings desperately to You. A heart that obeys all of Your words does not forsake Your covenant with me. Amen.
"And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the LORD your God is He who has been fighting for you…"Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left…for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. "So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God.”
Joshua 23:3,6,10,11
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