Joshua 24:15 “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

My nightly routine rarely varies. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and slip into my p.j.’s. Then before retiring for the night, I head to my closet. I stand silently, gazing at the clothes hanging before me, all patiently waiting to be chosen. I ponder my next day’s schedule and consider the upcoming weather report. Then using this data, I lay out tomorrow’s wardrobe.

My husband chuckles over this routine, but little does he realize its importance. If I fail to choose wisely, my entire day is at stake. Uncomfortable clothing restricts my commitments. An inappropriate style of clothing can leave me either sweating or freezing. And a poor shoe choice guarantees aching feet. So, my solution is to choose tomorrow’s attire today, before the rush of chaos, in advance of the morning’s battles, and prior to the pressures of time.

Making decisions impulsively is risky business. Joshua in scripture, embraced the habit of making choices ahead of time. As Joshua stood before Israel, he instructed them, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” He knew the people had options to consider. They could serve the gods of their past, the gods of their present day, or the mighty God of their future. But their decision should be made in the rationale of today, before the battles of tomorrow rolled in, before the dark of night descended, and before the temptations of the future appeared. Once tomorrow arrived, Israel would be forced to choose in haste.

I find my closet-routine reminiscent of our faith. We ought to immediately consider where our devotion lies. Have we formed a concrete allegiance to a faithful and loving God TODAY, prior to the heat of upcoming battles? Do we know whom we serve TODAY, before temptations engulf our emotions? Have we settled on our values TODAY, so the darkness of sin cannot lure us away?

Joshua’s admonition to Israel holds great truth; serving the Lord is best. So, before the clashes of tomorrow arrive, dear friend, choose for yourself today whom you will serve.

P.S. I am pretty sure Joshua belonged to my tribe of people who laid out their clothes the night before.

Father God, may we give serious forethought to placing our allegiance with You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane