Even the Old Testament is Full of Practical Applications

Published on by kendraske

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 22

Wow, this is a rich chapter full of practical application for my own life!

It reminded me to be steadfast and faithful and to keep my promises, even when I’d rather not.

It reminded me of that greatest commandment to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It reminded me that love is more than just an emotion. Love is an action, and love results in humble submission to the will of the one we love. If we love God, we will obey His commands, like John 14:15 says.

Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law
that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,
to love the LORD your God,
and to walk in all his ways
and to keep his commandments
and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart
and with all your soul.”


Joshua 22:5 ESV

It reminded me that I need to not be so quick to judge other people’s motives, but instead give them the benefit of the doubt until I have time to hear from them. If I’m having a problem with someone, I should bring it to their attention and talk to them about it. And then I need to really listen to what they have to say, rather than assuming the worst.

It reminded me that God cares about why these Israelite tribes were building that altar – but also that just having the right motives doesn’t make something ok. There are still right and wrong decisions even if your heart is in the right place.

That was a lot from one chapter out of the Old Testament! 🎉

Heavenly Father, please help me to be faithful to keep my promises, even when it would be easier to just move on. You are a promise keeping God, and I want to be more like You. Cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Help me to love You with my all in all. Help me not turn aside to idols, remembering that I cannot serve both You and my own passions. Give me the patience and courage I need to talk to people that I’m having problems with and to sincerely listen, rather than hastily prejudging their motives. Make me more like You, Lord. I want to be more like You. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Perfect Example for everything, I pray. Amen.