Walking with God: Lessons from Joshua's Obedience

The book of Joshua tells the story of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, Moses’ successor. In the first chapter, God commissions Joshua to lead the people and take possession of the land that He had promised them. In verse 7 and 8, God instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged, and to meditate on His word day and night so that he may be successful in his endeavours.

As Christians, we can learn a great deal from this passage. Just as God called Joshua to lead the Israelites, He has also called us to fulfil a specific purpose in our lives. It is only through meditating on His word and keeping it close to our hearts that we can be aligned with His commission over our lives.

Meditation is the practice of deep contemplation or reflection, and it is something that has been a part of the Christian tradition for centuries. When we meditate on God’s word, we are not simply reading it; we are allowing it to permeate every aspect of our being. We are dwelling on its meaning and significance, and we are allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

God knew that Joshua would face many challenges as he led the Israelites into Canaan. He would encounter opposition from the Canaanites and face many obstacles along the way. But God also knew that if Joshua meditated on His word day and night, he would have the strength and courage to overcome these challenges.

In the same way, we too will face challenges as we seek to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. We may encounter opposition from others, face setbacks and failures, and struggle with doubts and fears. But when we meditate on God’s word, we are reminded of His promises, His faithfulness, and His power to overcome all obstacles.

Verse 8 is particularly powerful in this regard. It says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.”

This verse teaches us that meditating on God’s word is not just an intellectual exercise; it is something that is meant to be lived out in our daily lives. As we meditate on God’s word, we are not only gaining knowledge and understanding; we are also learning how to live in obedience to Him.

Joshua’s example of obedience to God is just as applicable in the 21st century as it was in his time. We, too, are called to be strong and courageous, to meditate on God’s word day and night, and to live in obedience to His commands. When we do so, we will be aligned with His commission over our lives and gain the necessary wisdom on how to effectively walk in the path He has laid out for us.

The book of Joshua teaches us the importance of meditating on God’s word and keeping it close to our hearts. Through this practice, we can gain the strength and courage we need to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives and overcome any obstacles that may come our way. Let us follow Joshua’s example of obedience to God and be faithful in meditating on His word day and night.