Moving Past The Scars of The Past Year

“After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.” Joshua‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭

Hello, and glad to come your way again. Hardly does a year go by without us experiencing some sort of scar. Such is life! Every year is unique because of its peculiar challenges.

A scar oftentimes serves as a reminder- it either empowers you to move forward after learning from your mistakes, or cripple you in fear to bring you to a standstill. I don’t know how each of us processed this past year, but I hope after reading this today, may we be inspired to make a move.

This scripture starts off with the death of Moses, who lead the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years. At the threshold of entering the Promised Land in Canaan, the unexpected happens: Moses is dead. Now the Israelites are at a crossroads wondering, who will lead them. A leadership gap caused them to standstill and also cower in fear. This mirrors some of us as we have entered into the New Year. The grim and harsh memories of the past year have caused many to standstill and not even dream again because of the fear of the unknown- possibly evil.

From this scripture, we can deduce some things which will help us as we navigate the uncharted path of this year.

1. Be assured of God’s presence

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

This scripture is very personal to me, because I took solace in that upon hearing on the unexpected passing of my father. Some never feel God’s presence, but He is as real as the person next to you. God is not a mystery! He has ALWAYS desired fellowship with man. The relationship starts by receiving Jesus into your life as Savior and Lord. The next is reading the Bible to get an accurate picture of who God is. As a result of continually building this relationship, you will sense Him. Things that are unseen are as real as the seen. Never seen airwaves before, but I know it exists because of wireless and many related things.

2. Be bold!

“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” Joshua‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭

The result of strength and courage is boldness. Don’t let the sting of the past rob you of living boldly. It is much work living in fear and cowardice. One of the sources of strength is prayer. Commit to prayer and see the aftereffects of boldness rub off on you. Boldness is not the absence of fear, but rather moving in the face of fear. There is nothing like a perfect time to rid yourself of all fears before you move. You will wait forever! Take a bold step this year to TRY IT AGAIN. What ever that IT is, don’t give up just yet. I pray for every reader to be strengthened with God’s power today that results in living boldly.

“strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power…” Colossians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭

3. Meditation

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

I am aware of different kinds of meditation, but I am looking at this from a Christian context. Meditation is when you fill your mind with the Word of God and ponder on it till it sinks in your heart. The ability to memorize a Bible verse by the heart is meditation. Meditation means now you operate the Bible from your heart which is the seat of your conviction, than just giving mental assent. Anything you believe, you will do! Walking by the Bible too makes one’s way prosperous and experience success.

Basically, today’s three points centers on building a relationship with God and getting to know Him through prayer and the Bible. That will be your safest bet on staying afloat in this year and the years to come.

Hope this spoke to you? Let me know. Will love to read your comments.

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Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love