Dave spoke from Josh 3:1-4 last night, looking especially at verse 4: ‘you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.’ The people of God had been travelling for 40 years in the wilderness, journeying to the Promised Land, and essentially (because of rebellion and unbelief), they had wandered around the same area for a very long time. Now it was time for them to cross the River Jordan, and this was very unfamiliar territory indeed.
For us, a new year represents new territory to be explored, and for most of us, the unfamiliar evokes apprehension and even fear. Few of us actively welcome change! Yet God knows the path ahead of each one of us and will direct and lead us in the way we should go. The Israelites had spent many years not trusting God, and distrust dishonours the God of all faithfulness. ‘The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith,’ George Mueller said. In order for us to overcome our fear of the unknown, we have to:
1. Seek the Word of God
Josh 1:8 reminds us of the key to Joshua’s success. If we want to be blessed by God even through whatever trials 2015 may bring, we have to get into the word of God every day, for His wisdom and guidance are found in His book. God comes into our situations as we read His word and leads the way for us to follow.
2. Look to the ark of God (God’s presence)
The Israelites moved at God’s command, when the ark of the covenant (symbol of God’s presence) moved. The ark was situated in the middle of all the tribes and was the signal for the Israelites to follow. The presence of God is vital for our ongoing journey. We need to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. We are His followers; He needs to lead the way.
The generation of Israelites about to enter the Promised Land had not (with the exception of Caleb and Joshua) seen the miracles which had led to their deliverance from Egypt. They trembled as they saw this unpassable river. Faith was required to cross the river, and faith and trust will be required for every trial and difficulty we face this year. God’s providence has brought us far over the years, but we cannot rely on our past experience for new trials. This year’s unknown path is not unknown to God, however, for He exists where there is no yesterday or tomorrow, simply an ever-present now.
1 Cor 10:13 reminds us that our experiences may be new to us, but they are not new to God’s people. Caleb and Joshua had seen the Red Sea part; they would see the River Jordan part as well. Others have gone through experiences similar to ours and we find encouragement in Scripture to deal with situations and also to know that God will not give us more than we can bear. God’s faithfulness remains constant, even when we face unfamiliar paths. He is with us throughout every test and trial and will lead us into the future, therefore we can have confidence – not in ourselves, but in Him!