Let’s Get Ready!
by Katie Harding on January 6, 2025
The beginning of January is a time of transition; it’s a time of crossing over from the old year into the new. Although we don’t know what’s in store in 2025, reviewing how Joshua prepared the Israelites to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land can give us insights into steps we can take to prepare for the year ahead.
When Joshua assumed his new position of leadership, God assured him He would be with him and would never fail him. The Lord reminded Joshua to be strong and resolute and told him he would be successful and could live confidently if he did the following:
1. Study God’s word continually. Read God’s Word every day, not just on Sundays.
2. Meditate day and night on God’s Word. Think about the Scriptures, listen to what God is saying, and discover how to make it applicable.
3. Obey God’s teachings. Follow God’s ways and be faithful to the vision.
Then Joshua gave the Israelites instructions for preparing for their time of transition:
Get ready to go early; don’t leave everything until the last moment. Joshua led the Israelites to the Jordan River’s edge four days ahead to begin preparations for crossing to the Promised Land. Many of us are conditioned to use every minute to accomplish more than we have time for and often end up running from task to task, never able to work ahead and get things done without stress. Let us make an effort to work ahead, let go of the unnecessary, and stop procrastinating.
Follow the Lord and move forward in faith.
God knows the plans He has for us; He has ordered our steps. Yet we often want to lead and let God follow. The first time God planned to send the Israelites to the Promised Land, they surrendered to fear and trepidation instead of moving forward in faith. We face many obstacles that fill us with panic and intimidation. When that happens, we need to trust God’s plan and follow as He leads us to new paths of right living. As we prepare to cross the “Jordan River,” let us practice the art of moving our feet forward, even if it’s a new path and we don’t know where it will lead.
Purify yourself.
The sad truth is we live in a fallen world; we make mistakes, hurt others, and are often hurt by others. Dirt makes its way into our hearts and before long, seeds can take root and bitter weeds begin to grow. Every day we need to examine our hearts for any dirt that may have found its way in. It’s a time to confess sins, ask forgiveness, and surrender any hurt we may be harboring. We need to be honest with ourselves and honest with the Lord. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to save us, cleanse us, take away our guilt, and forgive us of our sins. He was wounded so we could be healed, totally and completely. As we transition from our old year, let us make a daily practice of moving about the chambers of our heart to review its contents, and get rid of any dirt we find there.
Listen to what the Lord your God says.
We live in a time of the web, multi-tasking, tweeting, instant messaging, cell phone city, and television day and night, anywhere, anytime. There is always something to do, someone to talk to or someplace to go. We are surrounded by noise screaming for our attention, distracting us from the important by promising instant relief or gratification. From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus took time to withdraw from the crowds to pray and listen. As we prepare for this time of transition, let us be intentional about the discipline of silence and learn to listen, not only during times of prayer but throughout the day, to the still small voice.
Remember God is giving us a land of rest.
The Promised Land God is calling us to is not a land of turmoil but peace. He promises to give us rest on all sides from our enemies. It’s easy to be caught up by the enemies of life—busyness, stress, frustrations, hurriedness—and be totally overwhelmed and disgruntled. As we crossover to a new year, let us claim this land of rest, and remember not to worry about anything, but pray about everything (Phil 4:6). Each day, we must humble ourselves before the Lord and recognize that He is sovereign over everything, and we can trust Him. Totally. Let us make a concerted effort to accept the peace Jesus so generously offers and learn to make this stillness of soul an everyday, moment-by-moment, occurrence.
As we “crossover” to 2025, I plan to put into practice several of these disciplines Joshua gave to the people. Are there some that resonate with you? Will you join me on this journey? God is on the move and has plans for us for this new year, so let’s get ready!