Release and rest
Scripture: (1) After a long time had passed and the Lord had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man (2) summoned all Israel (Josh 23:1-2 NIV)
Observation: Joshua's life was spent preparing for entry into the promised land and conquering the promised land. In his 40's he spied out the land and then he took the leadership from Moses and implemented the plan of cultural genocide. His job was to wipe everybody out, men, women, children and animals. Every living thing was to die. In vs 13 he stated the consequence of allowing survivors: "Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you." Now Joshua is reflecting on a warrior's life and says "the Lord had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them." After all the spilled blood, carnage, and gore Joshua confirms that it was the Lord who gave them rest.
Application: Although I'm not responsible for cultural genocide like Joshua was, I look forward to rest from all my "enemies." While Israel had to drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites, my opposition looks different. I can't wipe my cares and concerns in this life, but I can let God give me rest from my enemies. I trust God to equip me for the spiritual battles that I face and allow Him to give me rest. By humbly submitting to His plan and purpose for my life, I can release my control and rest in His soveriegnty knowing that, like a Father, he has my best interests in mind.
Prayer: Father help me to trust your plan for my future and allow you to give me rest. I want to release my anxiety about the details of my day-to-day life and exchange my worry for confidence in you. Please give me peace, rest, and the confident assurance that your plan will prevail.
Created about 1 year ago
