So often, we wring our hands, worry, and fret. Our thoughts drift aimlessly, and hours of sleep slip away from us. What is our response? Where do we turn? How do we fill those anxious hours? When will we get a response to this issue?
The people of Israel crossed the Jordan River under Joshua's leadership. They celebrated a remarkable victory at Jericho. Achan’s disobedience caused their first defeat at Ai. However, the Lord granted them victory on their second attempt. Now, Israel’s leaders faced a new challenge.
But when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to deception to save themselves. They sent ambassadors to Joshua, loading their donkeys with weathered saddlebags and old, patched wineskins. They put on worn-out, patched sandals and ragged clothes. And the bread they took with them was dry and moldy. When they arrived at the camp of Israel at Gilgal, they told Joshua and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land to ask you to make a peace treaty with us.”
The Israelites replied to these Hivites, “How do we know you don’t live nearby? For if you do, we cannot make a treaty with you.”
They replied, “We are your servants.”
“But who are you?” Joshua demanded. “Where do you come from?”
- Joshua 9:3-8
When I read this chapter, I noticed the questions from the leaders and Joshua. The Hivites did not answer Joshua honestly. They responded, “Your servants have come from a very distant country.” (Joshua 9:9)
The question I want to ask is: Why would men travel such a long way to make a peace treaty with the people of Israel? Israel would not have been a threat to those in a faraway land. This seems like a terrible day for Joshua to make leadership decisions.
So, the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.
- Joshua 9:14-15
Notice the first sentence in verse 14: “The Israelites … did not consult the Lord.” Those are tragic and unfortunate words about Joshua and Israel’s leaders. I’m puzzled. These men examined the dry and moldy bread and then decided to enter into an agreement, a treaty, and a binding oath. There is no mention here of prayer or a time set aside to seek the Lord’s guidance and direction.
Unfortunately, we often encounter trouble because we don't seek His guidance. Prayer is the best way to save time and avoid problems. The Lord offers a valuable lesson from Israel’s history once again.
Head to Heart
Over the years, the Lord has placed many prayer warriors in my life, and I have learned a lot from them. They dedicate time to prayer and sincerely seek the Lord’s guidance and wisdom for their families, friends, and life’s decisions. Silence is an essential part of seeking God’s direction. Spending time reading God’s Word is crucial when we want His wisdom, insight, and discernment.
Do you have a specific spot for prayer? It could be a chair, a closet, or a particular room in your house. Sometimes, taking a prayer walk or sitting outside might help. You might also use a prayer journal to stay focused. I enjoy reading and reflecting on Bible verses.
Consult the Lord – Be Truly Wise
The psalmist, David, reminds us that the Lord desires a wise person. The true mark of wisdom is a heart that seeks the Lord in every part of life. There is always room for growth and maturity. Take a moment now and ask the Lord to grant you a measure of His wisdom.
The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.
- Psalm 14:2
Seek the Lord – Be Humble
The Lord gave Zephaniah a prophetic message. He called the people to seek the Lord with humility and follow His commands. Come before the Lord in prayer with a heart surrendered to His will and His way.
Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.
- Zephaniah 2:3
Pray in the Spirit – Be Persistent
Our first response in any situation should be, “I will pray about that.” Paul writes to the church in Ephesus and urges them to pray in the Spirit. Every believer should surrender to God’s will and let the Holy Spirit intercede on their behalf. Continue to bring your requests to the Lord in prayer.
Pray in the Spirit constantly and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers.
- Ephesians 6:18
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Thank you … thanks for the reminder to consult the Lord first and rest in his promises !