“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” -Joshua 3:14-16
When I visit the beach, an immense sense of peace envelops me. When a storm comes, waves have the power to destroy everything.
How can something be peaceful and chaotic at the same time?
Life is like the waters. I’m at peace. I’m discouraged. I’m at peace again. Life feels like a long cycle of joy and sorrow.
In my weakness, I cry out to God like a little child. Whether I feel God’s presence or not, He hears me. He’s with me, comforting my heart, even when I don’t feel like He’s near. The Lord rescues me.
Joshua could have let fear stop him from crossing the Jordan. Yet, as God was with Moses, so God was with Joshua. As soon as Joshua and the priest’s feet touched the water’s edge, the water upstream stopped flowing. They walked on dry ground!
God was in control of the waters and promised to be with Joshua on the journey.
Cast your cares on the Lord and surrender the waters in your heart. Give God the turbulent waters of frustration, pain, heartache, or overwhelming fear.
Replace your cares with powerful words from Isaiah 43.
Say to the Lord, “I am yours and you are mine. When I pass through the waters, you will be with me. When I pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over me.”
Today is the day you will walk on dry ground again. Stick your toes in the sand. Build a sandcastle of faith. Stand at the water’s edge and take pictures of where you used to be. The sky is clear. Today is a beautiful day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for being with me during the stormy seasons of life. Thank you for protecting me from feelings that could overwhelm me. I cast all my cares on you today. Fill me up with a peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
