TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Joshua - Chapter 5
We’ve all been there. Standing in the scary shadow of difficult circumstances that refuse to budge, while fear whispers in our ear about the inevitability of our defeat.
Tucked into the pages of God’s Word, we find story after story of people who can help us learn in the midst of our battles. People who show us what it means to look to and depend upon the Lord - like Joshua. If ever someone might feel overwhelmed at a situation totally out of their control, his experience facing Jericho was it.
Not only did the wall surrounding Jericho look invincible, but there also was the issue of Israel’s army lacking proper weapons for tackling such an impressively guarded city. You can’t exactly pull down walls with arrows and spears. That’s a job for battering rams and catapults — items noticeably missing from Joshua’s army weapons list.
But they had come too far to turn back. And the people of Israel were counting on Joshua to lead them into this land promised by God. With all these facts and details weighing on him, Joshua is suddenly confronted by a man with a drawn sword. Scripture reveals this is no mere human. This is the commander of the Lord’s army. And this is no everyday occurrence either. It is an incredible encounter.
Seeing the man is ready for battle, Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13b)
Wrapped in this honest question we discover hesitancy in Joshua — a peek inside his thought life — and a need for reassurance. It is right here that most of us would have assumed that God would have answered, “Joshua, I am with you, for you and on your side!”
But we would assume wrong.
When asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the answer is shockingly, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua falls face down in humility and reverence — asking what message the Lord has for him, His servant. (Joshua 5:14b)
I wonder what kind of message Joshua was expecting, even longing for. Perhaps one overflowing with war strategy and tactics. But instead of detailed plans, Joshua in turn responds to His presence - in reverence - with worship. He’s told to remove his sandals, for the ground is holy. (Joshua 5:15)
It’s an invitation and a reminder for Joshua to worship the One who is not only big enough to handle the impending battle, but also loving enough to address the doubt, fear and insecurity running through Joshua’s mind. And as Joshua slips off his sandals, let’s be reminded of what we really need in the face of seemingly insurmountable situations: more worship - less worry.
When we’re desperate for God to give us all the details;
When we start to wonder if He’s for us or against us;
When the fears of the unknown attempt to grab hold and take captive our hearts.
We need to pause, lift up our eyes to the One willing to meet us before the battle begins , and worship Him. Worshiping not only because it honors Him, but because it also changes us. Worship might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we feel overwhelmed, but it truly is powerful. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving and our God is a more-than-able God. It both quiets us and strengthens us — perfectly preparing our hearts and minds for whatever battles lie ahead.
Worry less. Worship more. And trust our God to lead us into victory.
Adapted