January 14, 2024

Passage Read: Joshua 14-17
Meditation Verses: 17:14-15

Thought

The sons of Joseph were not content with the land they had been allotted; it wasn't enough for them. Joshua didn't dispute them or rebuke them, but acknowledged that what they said was true and right, so he gave them another portion. However, that portion was still in the hands of Canaanites; they would have to fight to claim it. That would be too hard for them, they said, but Joshua assured them that they'd be able to take it. But instead of being encouraged by that assurance, they remained handicapped by their fear, so that even when they grew stronger, they didn't take the land, but made the Canaanites their slaves.

Application

Looking only to myself for confidence, there is much reason to be afraid and discouraged, because I have no strength. But remaining in that state is dangerous, because it causes me to compromise with sin and become dependent on rejected people. That only assures that I remain weak, according to my assessment, and threatens the future of my children and followers, who will compromise even more. Instead, I need to look to God and trust both in His will and in His power to help me. I need to keep His vision for my future in sight and live in expectation of bringing His will to fruition. If I can't accomplish the work today, it may be because I'm looking only at myself and forgetting God's power to help me conquer. I must not give up before I even try, but put my hope in the Lord and give His instruction a try.