Adventure, by the very sense of the word, is a new path, the untraveled road, the dream that overtakes your mind and heart. I love the word! But, the reality of crossing over into the unknowns of 2022 does cause me to breathe deep and pause. In Joshua chapter 3, we see Joshua’s officers traveling through the camp to set up the rules for crossing over the Jordan into the Promised Land.
First rule: “Stay close” to the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the presence of God in the midst, so “that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.” (Joshua 3:4). The Redeemer, Jesus, does know the path; He has already traveled the road before you. Therefore, the direction to us is the same – stay close.
These Israelites were about to experience freedom, respect, safety, and abundance, and for many, it was the first time in their lives. How do you begin to prepare for a life you know nothing about? Joshua brought them back to the basics. “Sanctify yourselves…” Put old habits and attitudes behind you. Decide to dedicate yourself to the will of God. This is worship.
Chapter 4 shows us the true definition of leadership. Joshua commanded a memorial to be made of stones carried from the river as an altar of remembrance for generations to come of the power of God. But something else took place that day – “Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan…”. Once the waters rushed back to their courses, these stones would forever be out of sight. Why set up an altar, a place of remembrance, that would never again be seen? Joshua understood what many of us have forgotten: What you do in private determines the leader you are in public. While the rest of the crowd ran ahead to explore what was promised next, Joshua took the time to bow before the Lord. I imagine it was an intimate time of thanksgiving, of Joshua releasing the stress of leadership into a spirit of gratitude for what God had already done. It was a genuine relationship.
Our private worship will determine what happens as we travel into 2022 on the road you have not passed before. Take the time for unseen altars, bowing before the Lord in thanksgiving for what He has already done, gathering confidence and courage from the Sovereign God Who has gone before you. Invisible worship brings forth visible results.
“The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter God’s realm where everything is possible.” Corrie Ten Boom
Always Expect Amazing,
Diane Strack, Founder and President of She Loves Out Loud