“I Am Old and You Have Seen”

“When the Lord had given rest to Israel from their surrounding enemies, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years, Joshua summoned all Israel… and said, ‘I am now old… And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you. Behold, I have allotted to you as an inheritance… those nations that remain, along with all the nations already cut off… The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord promised. Therefore, be very strong to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law, turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or mention the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the Lord your God… For the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations… No man has been able to stand before you to this day.., since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised. Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God. For if you turn back… to the remnant of these nations… and make marriages with them,.. they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes…

“I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls,.. that not one word has failed of all the good things the Lord promised… All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Joshua 23:1-14

Joshua was straightforward in his charge to Israel. You have seen what God has done in my life, His faithfulness in conquest and to fulfill promises. You’ve seen what happens when we don’t obey. And you’ve seen the good land He’s entrusted to you. Be good stewards. Cling to, follow, obey, and love Him.

What we’ve seen God do excites faith in powerful ways. What we’ve seen and alongside whom we’ve experienced life shapes decisions, outlook, and direction going forward. The Lord intends we process all He feeds our spiritual eyes to influence our devotion and resolve.

Through my years, what have I seen that’s compelled and steered me in work or ministry? How has God shone His countenance into my fears, heartache, confusion, emotional turmoil? Which of His divine interventions on my behalf have changed the way I next trusted or set direction?

In turn, what do I display of my amazing God and His ways? Can others see His selflessness, might, order, or victory in my every day? Through my handling of circumstances and interactions, where do they observe His graciousness, kindness, wisdom, and love? In troubles and suffering, what joy and peace? The more we see of the Almighty, the more we’ll obey and display. (Numbers 6:24-26; Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord, in every day I grow older, may I see You more clearly, and may others see and be drawn to You through me.