Joshua was a competent and confident warrior and leader of the people of Israel because of his heritage of faith. God spoke to Moses, Moses taught Joshua, and Joshua did everything God had commanded Moses because Joshua believed the Lord. And Joshua’s continued faithfulness inspired the faith of all the people of Israel as they began living in the promised land. They turned to God as their refuge, because Joshua had shown them how God had been ever faithful to them.
And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.”
Joshua set apart cities of refuge for anyone who killed someone by accident. What does it mean to take refuge? Do you have a space that feels like a refuge for you?
Being a refuge for someone can look like providing physical shelter or providing a safe emotional space to deal with tough emotions or the effects of trauma. Think about people you know or in your community who may need either physical refuge or emotional or spiritual refuge. Ask a parent to help you think about how you could do something to help create safe spaces for people. For example, it could be as simple as donating blankets and clothing to a shelter for people without homes, or you could make plans to do something fun with a friend who has been going through hard things.
God, You are my refuge. I know I can always depend on You. Amen.