Monday August 28, 2023

Today is Monday, August 28 and we are exploring what it means to trust God’s Word.

As I enter this time of prayer, I still my body, quiet my mind and slow my breathing. I close my eyes and relax in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and blessed Lord, I long for you to speak into my life and circumstances. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to understand the good message you have for me today as I study the Holy Scriptures. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s steadfast love and praise him with the words of Proverbs 3.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Pause and Pray

After Moses led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, guided them through the desert and gave them the Law God provided on Mount Sinai, he finally reached the Promised Land. From the high point of Jericho, Moses looked west. God showed him the land promised to the people’s forefathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses saw the vast expanse of beautiful land but did not set foot in it. He died in that place and was buried in the land of Moab. Before his death, Moses laid hands on Joshua and he became the leader of the people. In the book of Joshua, as the people are about to cross over into the Promised Land, God gives Joshua this word of encouragement.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:7-9

The writings of Holy Scripture are as relevant to me today as in ancient times. The words of Joshua come to me over the millennia and speak directly to my soul. I am to be strong and courageous. Despite my circumstances, God tells me to not be afraid or discouraged. God reminds me that he will be with me wherever I go. I am to study the book of his Law – the Bible. I am to read it, meditate on it day and night, seek God’s will and obey his instruction. I am to follow carefully, not turning aside to the right or the left, as I am often tempted to do. This is God’s good and perfect will for me.

Ask: How often do I read, study and meditate on the words of the Bible? How trustworthy is God’s Word in scripture?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for giving me access to your holy Word. Teach me your ways, help me to understand and be careful to obey you. Fill me with courage and strength. Encourage me to turn away from my fears and follow you faithfully. I am confident you are with me and we will journey together wherever you call me to go. I read the words from Joshua again and listen for the message you have for me.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:7-9

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

When I consider the access I enjoy to the holy Word of God, I am in awe. God wants to speak to me through Holy Scripture and I desire to hear and understand. I meditate on these ancient phrases from the Old Testament book of Joshua and reflect on how they speak into my current circumstances. Perhaps God wants to encourage and strengthen me for some specific relationship, situation or task. Maybe God wants to remind me to slow down and seek his wisdom throughout my day.

Pause and Pray

Blessed and loving Lord, I invite you to walk alongside me today and reveal the truth of divine Scripture. Guide me to understand your will and enable me to glimpse your eternal wisdom. Where there are places of ignorance, give knowledge. Where there are moments of confusion, provide clarity. Where there is false teaching, offer correction. Amen.

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:72-73

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to share the goodness of God with a world that is lost and hurting.

Amen