Reading With the People of God #7 CommitmentSample

Memorization Challenge:

6 Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:6-8 NLT)

Reading Primer: What does God desire?

Psalms 51:6a states that God desires truth in our innermost being...why is that? The Hebrew word for innermost being is "tuha," meaning inner regions, hidden recesses, and inward parts.

How often do we take time and evaluate the areas that are deeply hidden within us?

Are there things we need to address?

Is God calling you to something deeper or to something more?

The little voice inside that you hear and you keep pushing down...is it there? If we are honest, we all have things that are hidden away. The willingness to be open to what God is saying to us and the obedience is what he desires. This addressing of the truth is what brings us to obedience. Only when we take a hard look in the mirror can we see that we cannot do this on our own. Verses 10-13 are a favorite of mine...I've referred to them often in prayer for both comfort and renewal.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

God can work with a clean heart and a willing spirit. Having this allows us to be used by Him even when we can't see it or things seem really hard or scary. There is a peace that encompasses us amid the chaos, and we can accomplish great things for Him and through Him with the steadfast spirit He gives us…Our purpose is for our good and HIS glory!

~ Kristin Price