How can we cultivate a similar trust in God's plans in our lives? Shout! For the LORD Has Given You the City “After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, ‘Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!’” (Joshua 6:16) Jericho’s Lesson: Trust Sounds Like Obedience • God’s promise to Joshua was specific and unconditional (Joshua 6:2). • Israel’s job was simply to march, believe, and shout—before a single stone moved. • The walls fell literally (Joshua 6:20), proving the reliability of God’s word. Why Joshua Could Trust So Completely • He anchored on prior faithfulness—crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3–4). • He clung to God’s spoken word, not visible evidence. • He practiced exact obedience in the small details (six silent days, seven circuits on the seventh). • He led the people in unified praise, reinforcing faith. Foundations for Cultivating the Same Trust 1. Take God at His Word – Immerse yourself in Scripture daily; trust its inerrancy (Psalm 19:7–9). 2. Recall Past Victories – Keep a journal of answered prayers (1 Samuel 7:12). 3. Submit to His Timing – Wait the “six silent days” in your own life without grumbling (Psalm 27:14). 4. Obey Before You Understand – Step out even when instructions seem unusual (John 2:5). 5. Praise Ahead of the Breakthrough – Sing, celebrate, and testify while the walls are still standing (2 Chronicles 20:21–22). 6. Stay in Community – March with fellow believers; faith grows in concert, not isolation (Hebrews 10:24–25). Strength-Building Passages to Meditate On • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…” • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Romans 8:28 — “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” • Jeremiah 29:11 — “I know the plans I have for you…” • Hebrews 11:30 — “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.” Daily Practices That Nurture Trust Morning: • Read a chapter aloud, emphasizing God’s promises. • Pray Scripture back to God, thanking Him in advance for fulfillment. Midday: • Recall a past deliverance; speak it to a friend or coworker. • Whisper a “Jericho shout” of praise during a break. Evening: • Review the day, noting glimpses of God’s hand. • Close by rereading Joshua 6:16 and declaring, “The Lord has given!” Walls Still Fall Today As Israel’s shout rose, heaven’s plan unfolded exactly as spoken. Embrace that same certainty: every promise God has made to you in His Word is already settled. March, believe, and let your life echo the confident shout—because the Lord has given. |
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