Cling to God

We’ve done a lot of babysitting in our time and we love it! The funniest part of the experience are those last few minutes as a set of parents is dropping off the child or children and preparing to head out the door. There are always a ton of last minute instructions. Bedtime routine reminders, feeding tips and tricks, and the mention of the favorite stuffed animal or blanket that the child just can’t do without. It is a moment when the parents want to know that the child still has something to cling to for comfort and support as the parent walks out the door. It may be for just a short time, but both baby and parent need the assurance.

In Joshua 23 and 24, Joshua is giving his final address to the people of Israel. This leader has walked with God’s people through a trying time in history. He has led the people in the conquest of Canaan. He has fought alongside them. Prayed for them. Guided their steps and given them battle plans. He loves the people of God. Now he is preparing to exit the stage. But before he goes, he has to give them some last minute instructions. Some reminders about who they are and where they are headed. Like a good parent, Joshua wants to reassure his people that they are in good hands.

In Joshua 23:8, Joshua tells the people to cling to God. I love that picture. The idea of “clinging” is to grab hold of and never let go. It is the picture of the child with the favorite blanket or stuffed animal. They cling for comfort and assurance. Joshua is reminding the people that though things are changing, though they are settling into the promise of God as they settle the land, God is present and active. He continues to be the God who moves and blesses His people. Clinging to God is an active picture of dependence and surrender.

How do you and I live in the presence of God today? Just like the people of Israel did in the time of Joshua.

See the blessings of God around you. The Israelites were reminded that the land allotments were a gift from God. They were to look at the places where they lived and know that God was the gifter. You and I need to do the same. Look around you and see how God has blessed you. Home, family, friends, all of these are a blessing from God. God’s hand continues to move in your life.

Listen to the voice of God. Joshua reminds the people to obey the commands that God had given Moses. The commands that had shaped their lives and guided their steps. You and I need to be aware of the voice of God. We need to be committed to reading and studying our Bibles. We need to be in fellowship with God’s people, the church. We need Godly mentors who remind us of God’s will and God’s words.

Live lives of distinction. Joshua warns against intermarriage and close associations with foreign nations. While it is a little hard for us to always understand, we need to see that we are called to be distinct in the world. We have a responsibility to call people out of the world and the culture, not to become so enamored or so enthralled with the culture that we lose our God given flavor. God wants us to live lives distinguished by grace, mercy, service, truth, and commitment.

Joshua’s words to Israel are powerful words for us today. They are worth embedding on our hearts. God is present. He still calls for His people to cling to Him. That means letting go of the world.