Lingering is Power

SCRIPTURE:

OBSERVATION:

The ark of the covenant was where the presence of God resided. The great and powerful God went to battle with His people. He is the God who distinguished the Israelites from the rest of the world. He is the Alpha and Omega; He is the beginning and end. Joshua understood the power of God. 

He saw Moses disqualify himself from the promised land. He was there to witness the power and provision of God in the wilderness. Joshua understood the holiness of God but also the love of God. God is the one who delivered them from the shame of Egypt, but also the God who purged evil from the land. Joshua understood both the holiness and the love of God. This was his superpower.

APPLICATION:

Joshua was a great leader because he knew the greatness of the power and love of God. As a young man, he would be in the tent of meeting even after Moses had left. He lingered in the presence of God. I wonder if the power of Joshua wasn’t intellectual, influential, or other. Joshua’s power was found in his linger. Lingering in the presence of God illuminates the depth of His character—both His power and love. Joshua knew this because he lingered with God. He knew Him intimately.

One person once said, “The greater the linger, the greater the connection.” Joshua kept his eyes on the author and perfecter. His gaze was fixed on the Lord. Joshua knew that God was both the lion and the lamb. He followed this God into battle to fight for them. No longer do we go to the temple; we are the temple, and he lives in us. Therefore, the linger begins when I silence myself to hear His voice that is with me now. The battle isn’t won externally as much as it is won internally as I linger in the power and love of God. Therefore, “the greater the linger, the greater the connection.” I will linger before the battle because the battle is the Lord’s. 

PRAYER:

Lord, would You guide me to live like Joshua, wholly reliant on Your presence. Amen.