15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

There is a plaque hanging on my wall that says: “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” I love it and it is a great and constant reminder of my decision to put God first. But, if I am completely honest, try as I might — even though the sign is hung in a prominent location — it does not mean I always get it right.

Today, we are bombarded, with so many voices on the Internet and elsewhere eager to give advice on every little topic. It’s easy to see God as only one of the experts available to us. We’re tempted to ask for God’s blessing on choices we have already made, rather than asking for God’s guidance in our decision-making in the first place.

When the Israelites came to the prophet Jeremiah to ask for the Lord’s guidance, they promised that “whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God.” But when Jeremiah told them what the Lord wanted them to do, they refused. They decided to put their trust in Egypt for protection rather than the power of Almighty God.

What a contrast from Joshua. Joshua made up his mind to serve only God!

Whom will you choose to serve at every turn?

Lord Jesus, help us to trust in you so that we can “test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Amen.