The New Year has Begun

Last week we began a new year. With a new year comes goals that we have set aside to achieve. Most people will have made a New Year's resolution which includes losing weight, kicking a bad habit, or starting something new.

Also, with the new year comes a lot of challenges and the unknown. No one knows the future, nor can we predict what will happen although there are some things, we know that will take place this year such as the 2024 presidential election here in the United States. 

We can have confidence knowing that no matter what happens this year, God is still sovereign. He is still in control of all circumstances even though we may not understand what is going or why a particular event took place or will take place as the case may be as 2024 moves on.

The Bible we see Joshua who was given a word from Yahweh as he is about to lead the nation of Israel to the Promise Land:

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ attendant, saying,

“Moses My servant is dead; so now arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.

From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Only be strong and very courageous to be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be prosperous wherever you go.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:1-9 (LSB)

A few things in this passage that we can apply in our lives as we continue through the new year. First, God is with us. "Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). We can take great joy and comfort knowing that just as God was with Moses and Joshua, He is also with us. Jesus promised He will be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Second, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6). When things go wrong or new challenges come our way, be strong and courageous. Why? God is with us. 

Third, obey the word of God. "Only be strong and very courageous to be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be prosperous wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). God is commanding Joshua again to be strong and courageous but in obeying the words of the law that Moses gave him. In our context, we can be strong and courageous as we obey God's Word and to stand firm in the faith. Whether it is costs us a relationship, job, or a peace of mind because it was the easy way out, be strong and stand on the promises of God.

Fourth, mediate on the Word of God. "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous" (Joshua 1:8). As we obey God's Word, we should have our minds on God's Word. Biblical mediation is different than what the world believes especially in the New Age Movement. Worldly mediation is emptying your mind. Biblical mediation is filling your mind. We fill our minds with the truth of God's Word in the Bible. "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). Those who mediate on the Bible are considered blessed: "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, And in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2).

Finally, be strong and courageous. Hold on. Wasn't that already mentioned? God asks a rhetorical question, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!" (Joshua 1:9a). Joshua is told once again to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel to the Promise Land. For us, we are reminded throughout the Bible to fear not. We are reminded that God has us in His hands and nothing, including yourself, can separate you from His love. "Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9b). 

God is with us this new year. We are to stay strong and hold fast to His Word.