Hope is boosted when we have faith and confidence that comes from knowing what good things have happened in the past. God had Israel take twelve stones from the Jordan and set them up as a reminder for generations about what God had done among His people so that they could have hope about what God would continue to do. When we read God’s Word, spend time with Him, and sing songs of praise about Him, we are reminded of the hope we have in Him.
For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”
What are the names of the people groups that God said He would drive out of the land? (Hint: Look up Joshua 3:10.)
You can set up your own reminder of the hope you have in God. Get a magnet and a small stone, some glue, and a permanent marker or paint. With the marker or paint, write the word “hope” on the stone. Then glue the magnet to the back of the stone. Put the stone on your refrigerator or another metal surface where you will see it every day and be reminded of the hope you have in God—that He will be with you, provide for you, and protect you.
God, You are amazing! You can stop the waters in rivers from flowing and lead a whole nation through a desert. And You take the time to care about me! I know You will always be with me. Thank You for giving me hope for the future. Amen.