START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION
(KJV) Joshua 3:3
And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Following the Presence: Moving Forward with God
When you stand on the edge of a major life transition, the unknown can feel paralyzing. The Israelites faced this exact moment in Joshua 3. Before them lay the Jordan River at flood stage, and beyond that, a promised land filled with formidable obstacles.
They needed more than just instructions; they needed reassurance. God gave them exactly that through a powerful, tangible reminder of His faithfulness: the Ark of the Covenant.
The Visible Symbol of an Invisible God
“…and they commanded the people, saying, ‘When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.'” — Joshua 3:3
God was always invisibly present among His people, but the Ark of the Covenant served as a highly visible, unmistakable symbol of His holy presence (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 10:35). It represented His law, His mercy, and His commitment to lead them.
The command to the Israelites was simple yet profound: Watch for the Ark, leave your comfortable position, and follow it.
They were not allowed to rush ahead of God, nor were they permitted to lag behind in fear. Their only job was to keep their eyes fixed on the symbol of His presence and move when He moved.
Stepping Into the Miraculous
Following God’s presence always requires a step of faith, and that step often precedes the miracle.
As the people prepared to take possession of the land, God provided undeniable proof of His power. He didn’t part the waters while they sat safely in their tents. Instead, Joshua 3:15-16 tells us that the moment the feet of the priests carrying the Ark touched the water’s edge, the rushing river piled up in a heap far upstream.
The priests stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while the entire nation crossed over safely (Joshua 3:14-17; 4:18). God sanctified them, showed up for them, and did wonders in their midst (Joshua 3:5).
Keeping Your Eyes on the Ark Today
Your “Jordan River” might look like a career change, a difficult medical diagnosis, a broken relationship, or a daunting new season of life. In these moments, it is easy to fixate on the depth of the water or the strength of the current.
But the lesson of Joshua 3 is to shift your gaze.
We no longer look for a physical gold-covered chest, because through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God’s presence lives inside us. However, the principle remains the same:
- Watch for His leading through prayer, scripture, and godly wisdom.
- Leave your place of comfort when He calls you to move.
- Trust His track record, knowing that the same God who parted the waters in the past will carry you through today.
When you choose to follow His presence, you can walk forward with bold confidence, expecting Him to do wonders in your life.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a God who goes before us. We praise You that we never have to face the unknown, overflowing rivers of life alone. Forgive us for the times we fixate on our problems instead of focusing on Your presence.
Increase our faith today. Give us the courage to leave our places of comfort and security when You call us into new seasons. Just as the priests stepped into the Jordan, help us to take bold steps of obedience, trusting that You will make a way where there seems to be no way.
Sanctify our hearts, renew our minds, and let us witness Your wonders in our lives, our families, and our communities. Keep our eyes fixed firmly on You.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter
- SCARLET CORD / JOSHUA 2:21
- I DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY THEY WENT / JOSHUA 2:5
- HOUSE OF A PROSTITUTE RAHAB / JOSHUA 2:1
- BOOK OF THE LAW MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT / JOSHUA 1:8
- OBEY ALL THE LAW / JOSHUA 1:7
- I WILL BE WITH YOU / JOSHUA 1:5
- CROSS THE JORDAN RIVER INTO THE LAND / JOSHUA 1:2
- JOSHUA SON OF NUN / JOSHUA 1:1
- AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD / JOSHUA 24:15
- GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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