“Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about a half mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.” (Joshua 3:4 NLT)
These instructions of Joshua, passed on to the people through the Israelite officers, remind me of the precarious venture we’re engaged in as people of God. Unlike the children of Israel, we’re very likely familiar with our surroundings, but we often don’t have a clue what each new day holds or in which direction the Spirit will lead us.
Too often we want to mimic the sentiment of Benedict de Spinoza who wanted to be the master of his own destiny. We want to do things our way, but we’re rarely prepared for the consequences. Joshua knew that he was leading God’s people into what to them was a foreign, treacherous land and he didn’t want to risk taking one step without God’s guidance and provision.
There are many ways to celebrate and view a new year, but the reality is, we’ve “traveled this way before.” Yes, of course, if you’re more than one year old you’ve experienced the passing of a year, and, in reality, all we’re really doing is passing from the last day of one year into the first day of another year. What’s different is how we view a new year.
In many people’s minds it’s the door of opportunity for new beginnings, new resolutions, new attempts to get right what we perceived we’ve been doing wrong. But here’s the truth, regardless of how we view this new year, we’re clueless as to what it holds. How do I know that? Because the Author of creation has ordered our days.
The Psalmist records in Psalm 37:23: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” The writer of the Hebrew letter (9:27) reminds us that “…each person is destined to die,” but here’s the kicker – we don’t know when that will be! That’s why Jesus warns us to seek His Kingdom above all else now, not wait until we have time or for a convenient season.
That’s what the rich man tried to do in Luke 18: “He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night.”
If we don’t prioritize our walk with God today, then when? We have no assurance except the breath we are taking in this instant. The only minute we have to make any decision is this one. If you’re coasting in your relationship with the Lord, put your life in gear and begin living as the Lord has asked you to live. Submit to His authority, obey His directives, follow His leading and walk humbly by His Spirit in whatever time you have left.
If you don’t know how to do that the first step is to confess your sin and ask for forgiveness. Click on this highlighted link and let Ron Hutchcraft walk you through a simple and straightforward plan to get your relationship with the Lord started. Then you need to find like-minded believers who will walk with you and hold you accountable. That often begins by finding a Christ-centered church. Go online and look for evangelical churches in your area. If I can be of help, please respond to this blog.
He will make your way known!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 