Joshua 3-6
Complete Trust in God

Joshua assumed command of the LORD's people with a heavy task on him-that of conquering the land of Canaan. The Hebrews were a nomadic people who had been hardened by weather, travel and protective wars, but they were about to stand against fortified cities and collective armies. But, they would be victorious not through their efforts but those of the Lord.

Two events in these chapters point to the complete trust they exhibited in the Lord to give them victory. The first is found chapter 5. During the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites had not practiced the covenanted act of circumcision, and since the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land signified a renewal of their covenant with Yahweh, that was the first order of business of Joshua when they entered the land. Now, understand that the Canaanites knew the Israelites were coming for the land (2:8-11). Also, once circumcision was accomplished, there would be a period of several days in which the men would not be able to fight (Genesis 34:22-25). Had they trusted in themselves, they never would have done this. They would have circumcised before crossing into the land, not after when they were seemingly defenseless. But, Joshua knew they were not defenseless. While they were extremely vulnerable to attack and defeat at that moment, they trusted in God for protection, and were not disappointed. They were protected and not attacked.

The second act of complete trust is seen in the battle plan used against the city of Jericho. Of course, it was God ordained (6:2-5), but from a human standpoint, it made no sense at all. How in the world would walking around the walls of the city change anything? And, while they were walking, they would be sitting ducks if the archers of the city decided to fire down on them. Imagine the grief Joshua could have received from the people when he told them this plan of attack. But, "just as Joshua had commanded," the people acted. Again, they were not disappointed. The city fell just as God promised, because before it fell, He had given it to them (6:2) and they trusted Him.

Other examples could be appealed to in scriptures of those who trusted in the LORD and were greatly rewarded. The Bible enjoins us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart..." (Proverbs 3:5) and "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2). It is difficult to trust in God. Trust is a testing of faith, and sometimes our faith is shaky. However, if you are like me, there numerous times when my trust has been in doubt, but after the fact, I see clearly that God took care of me.

When our trust grows, it brings such joy to our lives. Fear's grasp on our lives begins to wane despite the most oppressive of circumstances. That doesn't mean we know there will be no hardships in our lives, but it does mean we come to trust and have confidence that "for those who love God all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).