Joshua 9: Perfection vs Dependence

“The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it.”

— Joshua 9:14 (MSG)

Do you hear the suspenseful music playing — dun dun dun.

If only they knew in that moment what was really at stake: the risk of stepping outside the Lord’s

will, the danger of trusting what looked right instead of remembering all that God had done for them. I don’t want to live even a day outside of God’s best for me either...so why do I consistently forget to include Him? ...to ask Him? ...to even consider what He wants? I want to move in alignment with His perfect will, not just my own plans or perspectives. Lord knows Ive done it my way too many times and it hasn't worked out like I had hoped.

Here’s the good news: Even when my heart desires to follow perfectly, I’m not required to be perfect. They lived under the old covenant — striving to keep the law. I (WE) live under the new covenant — covered by the blood of Jesus. I (WE) don’t have to have it all together. I (we) just need to stay surrendered, willing, and open to His leading — consistently leaning on His Word as our guide and foundation.

He’s not looking for my perfection. He’s looking for my dependence. His Word is the lamp to my feet and the light to my path.

Jesus, thank You that I don’t have to figure it all out perfectly. Give me a prompting to remind me to seek You before I step. Keep my heart soft, my spirit willing, and my ears open to Your voice. Help me lean on Your Word daily, trusting that You are always faithful to lead me. Amen.