in the tent
So Joshua conquered the entire region— the hill country, the entire Negev (v.16).
READ: Joshua 11:15-23
As I was sorting through the daily mail, my life suddenly merged with the lives of fellow believers thousands of miles away. As I looked at the simple foldout from a magazine, the brown and white colors of the map muted the violent attacks these persecuted Christians endure. The map, pinpointing places where the gospel goes forth with great struggle, reminded me of Paul’s call to pray for those who boldly speak the Word of God (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).
Whether we share the gospel in a country where religious freedom is upheld or in one where persecution abounds, the battles are real. To be victorious, it’s vital that we possess perseverance and resolve.
Intimacy with the Lord both solidifies our purpose and sustains our obedience when circumstances seem uncertain. In Exodus 33, we read that the Israelites would stand at the door of their tents while Joshua followed Moses and moved beyond his place of comfort to the very presence of God. And there Joshua would linger (v.11). His determination to be in close relationship with his sovereign Lord paved the way to the places where God was leading him.
Our own “times in the tent” are essential for our relationship with God. They may include quiet reflection or moments of anguish and days of questioning. As we experience God’s presence, He examines our hearts and purifies our motives. As we experience a time of sustained worship and submission, we begin to see His perspective (1 Cor. 2:12-16).
When the battle seems overwhelming, being “in the tent” determines our response. Communion with the One who holds the future is the only thing that will take us past discouragement to determined faith. From that place, victory is won (Luke 22:41-43). —Regina Franklin
How do you respond when tempted by discouragement? In what ways do you make it a priority to spend time with God?
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Loading ...meditate on these things
June 14, 2009
READ: Psalm 119:89-105
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. —Psalm 145:5
Some Christians get a little skeptical when you start talking about meditation—not seeing the huge distinction between biblical meditation and some types of mystical meditation. In mystical meditation, according to one explanation, “the rational mind is shifted into neutral . . . so that the psyche can take over.” The focus is inward, and the aim is to “become one with God.”
In contrast, biblical meditation focuses on the things of the Lord, and its purpose is to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2) so that we think and act more like Christ. Its objective is to reflect on what God has said and done (Ps. 77:12; 119:15-16,97) and on what He is like (48:9-14).
In Psalm 19:14, David wrote, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.” Other psalms reflect on God’s love (48:9), His deeds (77:12), His law (119:97), and His testimonies (119:99).
Fill your mind with Scripture and focus on the Lord’s commands and promises and goodness. And remember this: Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, “if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8). — Cindy Hess Kasper
To become more like Christ, meditate on who He is.
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