Week 12: The walls came a tumbling down

I've always enjoyed the story of the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27). I think that as a kid it was pretty amazing to think that the people yelled and the "walls came a tumbling down". There was also a song we sang about it. In fact, I think the song had actions to it. Maybe that is the real reason I remember enjoying the story?

Having read "The Fall of Jericho" again as an adult, I appreciate the faith and trust of Joshua and the Israelites. I can only imagine hearing the Lord's instructions to walk around the city once a day for six days and then march around it seven times on the seventh day with a really loud shout at the end - a magic formula for wall busting. Ha! The faith and hope that the Israelites had in the Lord in this story is astounding, and because they walked in the Lord's path they were delivered the city as promised.

I often feel like I'm walking and walking around Jericho, but maybe my heart is wavering too much to hear the call to shout out for my victory. Or maybe I'm looking in the wrong direction and missed the horn blast. I need to trust like the Israelites that the Lord's path and instructions are the right way, even if they seem too hard, too strange or way too far out of my comfort zone.

My favorite verse from the week was Joshua 1:9,

"This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I know that I needed to hear this and be reminded to be strong and courageous in the Lord. I've felt so discouraged and run-down by life and school (research prospectus - yikes!), but I need to remember that I should draw my hope and strength from the Lord - He will lead me, even if it is to circle the city a few more times.