In what ways can we seek God's presence to guide us like Joshua? Setting the Scene at the Jordan Joshua 3:7—“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.’” The swollen Jordan River lay ahead, the Promised Land just beyond. God promised visible confirmation of His presence as Joshua stepped forward in faith and obedience. Key Observations from Joshua 3:7 • God Himself initiates guidance: “The LORD said…” • Exaltation is God-given, never self-produced. • The purpose is relational—Israel will “know that I am with you.” • The promise hinges on continuity: “as I was with Moses.” God’s presence does not waver. Timeless Principles for Seeking God’s Guiding Presence 1. Obedient Readiness – Joshua listened before he led (Joshua 3:9). – Jesus says, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… and We will come to him” (John 14:23). – Obedience positions us to sense God’s direction. 2. Word-Centered Meditation – Joshua had already been charged, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). – Setting aside daily, unhurried time in Scripture lets God’s voice shape our decisions. 3. Consecrated Living – “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). – Personal holiness clears the static that interferes with hearing God (2 Timothy 2:21). 4. God-Dependent Courage – The priests stepped into raging waters before they parted (Joshua 3:15-16). – Faith often requires first steps that feel risky; God’s presence becomes evident in motion (Hebrews 11:6). 5. Continual Awareness of the Ark’s Reality – Israel fixed their eyes on the Ark, the visible sign of God among them (Joshua 3:3). – Today we fix our eyes on Christ, “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23), staying attentive to His character and commands. 6. Prayerful Listening – Moses regularly met the LORD “face to face” (Exodus 33:11). Joshua lingered in that tent (Exodus 33:11b). – Unrushed, expectant prayer invites specific guidance and reassurance (Psalm 25:4-5). 7. Community Discernment – All Israel waited together until God moved (Joshua 3:1-4). – Wise counsel and corporate worship help confirm personal leadings (Proverbs 11:14; Acts 13:2). 8. Remembering God’s Faithfulness – Memorial stones from the Jordan reminded future generations that the living God guides His people (Joshua 4:6-7). – Keeping a record of answered prayers fuels confidence to seek Him again (Psalm 77:11-12). Living This Out Today • Start every undertaking by asking, “Lord, what does Your Word already say about this?” • Schedule dedicated times for silence after prayer; expect the Spirit to nudge, correct, or confirm. • Pursue purity in thought and action, trusting that holiness heightens spiritual sensitivity. • When God’s direction is clear, act immediately, even if circumstances still look impossible. • Share testimonies of God’s guidance with family and church; collective memory strengthens future faith. Summing Up Joshua experienced unmistakable divine guidance because he listened, obeyed, consecrated himself, and stepped forward in faith. The same unchanging God invites us to cultivate those practices so His presence can lead us just as surely today. |
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