March 29th

Joshua 19:49-21:45

1 Chronicles 6:54-81

The Israelites gave Joshua and his descendants an inheritance for his work and leadership among them; he requested the city of Timnathserah. Then, the people identified the six cities of refuge and the forty-eight cities of the Levites (since they did not receive a territory like the other tribes), all of which were given by God to Moses before they entered Canaan.

“So the Lord gave to Israel all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors and they conquered it and settled there; and, the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. All of the good promises that the Lord had given Israel came true” (21:43-45).

It’s important to note here that God keeps His promises. Whatever He says He will do; He will bring to pass. It was true in the day of Israel, and it is true today. However, now that Israel was in the land and Joshua had completed his call to war, I’d like to focus on the fact that God gave His people rest on every side.

First, notice that it is God who gives us rest; we do not make rest for ourselves. We cannot in our own strength make the life that we want or need for ourselves; we are insufficient in our strength to complete such a task. But God, who has unlimited resources and power, is completely sufficient to meet our needs. When we “delight ourselves in the Lord, He fulfills the desires of our heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Second, notice that God gave His people rest on every side. I found this interesting in light of the fact that Israel did not drive out all of the tribes of Canaanites. In other words, they still had enemies around them, yet God gave them rest on every side in spite of their enemies. The “rest of God” is not a convenient life. It’s not a comfortable life or even a happy life. Even though we are surrounded by turmoil, trials, and troubles, God can give us rest — which comes in the form of contentment, peace, and joy — in the midst of the chaos and craziness!

Daily Reflection

Describe your life right now. Does it reflect rest or restlessness? Explain your answer.

Have you recognized that your rest comes from the Lord, or are you still running the rat race, trying to chase down rest yourself?

The Lord is your protection, your provision, and your peace. All you need to do is “cease striving, know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10), and rest.

“The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

BiAY.org | Day 88 — 277 Days to Go