Keeping Track
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9
Insight
Do you use a calendar? Or a to-do list? Maybe a cool, efficient phone app that keeps your whole life on track? We have reminders and check-lists to keep track of our events, meetings, children’s schedules, birthdays, anniversaries, places to be, and people to see.
Throughout the Bible, God puts things on the calendar for us, His people, to stop and remember. There are 46 different times that people built altars to remember God's faithfulness, power, and provision. There are numerous festivals that the Israelites celebrated to remember what God had done, and they are all set according to dates. Passover reminds us of the redemption from sin (Exodus 12), which was also the Last Supper that Jesus celebrated with His disciples (Matthew 26). The Feast of Unleavened Bread called to mind their quick exodus out of Egypt. The Feast of the First Fruits helped the Israelites recall their dependence on God (Leviticus 23). Pentecost, which celebrated the end of harvest season 50 days after the Feast of the First Fruits, also was symbolic of the coming of the Holy Spirit 50 days after Jesus’s resurrection.
God wants us to take the time to remember what He has done for His people, for us. He even numbered His days as He made creation, giving us a sabbath so we would make time to rest. God made the sun and moon to help us tell time. He created seasons. He gave us schedules through creation and our mind for memories. He designed His people to remember Him, tend to the fields in their time, celebrate, and rest.
Why would God want us to keep schedules or mark moments to remember? Because we are prone to forget. How many times have you forgotten to text someone back? How many times have you been late or forgot to be somewhere you were going? How often do you overlook what God has done in your life? How frequently do you get distracted by what you have placed on your schedule, causing you to forget to spend time with God? How busy do you keep yourself that you aren’t mindful of God’s presence in each moment?
In today’s passage, the Lord told Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night. That doesn’t seem to imply setting aside five minutes to read a devotion. He wants us to bury His Word deep into our hearts and minds, living a life surrendered to what He is doing in each moment. It’s trusting God with each appointment, meeting, task, and celebration, remembering His promises as we go about our day. We don’t have to go to a retreat, attend church weekly, or read our Bible daily to surrender to God, although those are all great things. We submit and trust God in each moment.
Living life in surrender is a sacrifice that declares our trust. When we trust, we don’t have to be afraid or discouraged. When we trust, we move in His strength with courage. We know that He goes before us and is with us. We believe that, as Romans 8:28 states, He works everything for the good of those who love Him. The daily sacrifice of trust makes us aware of His presence that goes with us in every moment.
Reflection
Take a moment to look at your calendar. Notice what occupies most of your time. What fills your schedule? What do you set aside time for each day? Where can you schedule time to make meditation, prayer, and reading His word a practice?
What has God done in your life (promises fulfilled, provision, comfort, blessings, etc.)? On your calendar, set aside five minutes a day to remember what He has done for you.
Prayer
God, amid my chaotic schedule, may I pause to remember and proclaim Your faithfulness. Rather than rush, may I rest. Instead of filling my schedule with busyness, allow me to carve out moments to sense Your presence in my life. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Ashley Sarvis, Port City's Welcome Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.
