What is the best preparation for entering a new period?
Usually, at the beginning of the year, we reflect on the past and set new goals. We have our lists and our determination, but is this enough? Does God have special instructions for us to best prepare for the transition and enter the unfamiliar territory before us?
How can we cooperate with God to achieve the goals and assignments He has set before us?
We find several powerful biblical keys in Joshua chapter 23.
Reflection on Past Accomplishments and New Goals
Before focusing on God’s instructions on the best preparation for entering a new period, it is helpful to reflect on the road we traveled so far and ask the Lord to show us what is ahead.
This is the same pattern Joshua followed in chapters 12 and 13. In chapter 12, we find a list of the defeated kings so far as a result of the Israelites’ quest into the Promised Land.
The list contains the names of 33 kings and information about the territories they ruled. This is an amazing list of victories and achievements! We hear God saying, “See how far you’ve come with Me! This is something to celebrate!”
But then right in chapter 13, the message changes to “There is still A LOT LEFT TO DO!” We read this in the first verse: “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.” Then the Lord describes the land to Joshua, defining its borders and setting it as the new goal.
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The Best Preparation for Entering a New Period
This is relevant for us today, too.
We may think that we’ve achieved a lot with the Lord and celebrate our blessings, victories, and milestones, but the Lord has still large areas to be taken over. How can we prepare for this?
We find 5 biblical keys to a successful transition and preparation in Joshua, chapter 23.
Here are 5 biblical keys to a successful transition and preparation for entering a new period, based on Joshua chapter 23. #Biblestudy #transition #goalsettin Share on X#1 We Need Courage First to Enter the New
Isn’t it amazing that the first command of the Lord is to be courageous and strong, in fact VERY courageous and strong?
“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.” (Joshua 23:6, NIV)
Why? Because courage and strength are results from an active faith and trust in God.
We can’t be courageous if we don’t trust God with the unknown, and if we don’t know Him as our Friend, Protector, and Guide.
God always honors the courageous who walk by faith and not by sight.
God always honors the courageous who walk by faith and not by sight. #reward #blessings #transition #trustGo Share on X#2 Obedience Makes Our Paths Straight
The next key to be best prepared for the new period is obedience. This means we are careful and intentional in obeying God’s commands.
“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. (Joshua 23:6, NIV)
Cultivating a lifestyle of studying God’s word, keeping it in our hearts and minds, and following its instructions is the best foundation for success.
Heeding the voice of the Holy Spirit, who makes the word alive for us, is essential for our transition into the new.
#3 Pure and Righteous Life
The next key flows naturally from our obedience: our commitment to keep ourselves pure and live a righteous life, free from compromise, sin, and idolatry.
“Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them.” (Joshua 23:7, NIV)
Why is this important?
Living a righteous life is not only pleasing to God, glorifying Him, and making us happy, but it also makes us spiritually strong and capable of facing the new challenges and assignments God has for us.
#4 Holding Fast to the Lord
We can’t be courageous, and obedient and live a righteous life apart from the Lord, and in our own strength. This is possible only if we hold fast to the Lord.
“But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.” (Joshua 23:8, NIV)
What does it mean to hold fast to the Lord, and how do we do this?
Holding fast to the Lord means intentionally and deliberately connecting with Him through prayer and other spiritual disciplines, involving Him in every activity, and depending on Him for everything. It is simply doing life together with Him, seeking His kingdom first. (Matthew 6:33)
#5 Trusting God’s Faithfulness and Promises
The last aspect of our preparation to enter a new period is to trust God’s faithfulness and promises. This gives us hope and invigorates our souls.
“The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.” (Joshua 23:9, NIV)
God is faithful. He is for us, with us, and He fights for us! As His co-workers and co-creators, we can trust His word and every promise.
“You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14, NIV)
The Most Important Thing: Loving God
These 5 biblical ways of preparation are in fact expressions of our love for God: courage and strength, obedience, righteous life, holding fast to Him, and trusting His faithfulness and promises.
“So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:11, NIV)
As long as we keep loving the Lord, we are best positioned to enter the new period and pursue new goals and assignments, awaiting the new victories He has prepared for us.
Let’s consecrate our hearts to love the Lord more, never forgetting everything is from Him and for Him.
If you want more helpful tips about thriving in the new year, check out this post I contributed to: Thriving in the New Year: Essential Mental Health Tips for Lasting Change.
More Resources to Help You Love God
If you need additional resources to help you know God and grow in your love for Him, I highly recommend these books.
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu
Kissing Guilt Goodbye by Enliven Devotionals
Transforming Your Thought Life by Sarah Geringer
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow by David Jeremiah
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig
Faith Talk: Christian Women & The Gospel by Heather Hart and contributing authors
Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!
Your Turn
Which of these biblical ways to prepare for a new period resonated most with you? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!
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Thank you for writing this.
You are welcome! I am glad the post encouraged you. Blessings!
Thank you so much for putting this post together on the best preparation for entering a new period. Reflection is key for making the transition smoother in my opinion.
Thanks, Hari! Yes, reflection is a good starting point for preparing for transition. I am glad you found the post helpful.
This is a great resource on preparation for entering a new period spiritually. I wish growth was just a straight upward line but it’s a roller coaster. Having courage is difficult, but an important steps. Some great points to consider here.
Thanks, Sarah! Yes, growth is definitely not linear and often feels like a zig-zag movement. But the main thing is to keep moving and not give up.
Thanks for the ideas of Best Preparation for Entering a New Period. I love the idea of focusing in past accomplishments, and how we can move forward in this coming year.
Thanks, Kristine! Yes, reflecting on our past accomplishments is a great encouragement and preparation to enter the new season and tackle the new goals.
As the calendar turns to the new year, the best preparation for entering a new period comes at the perfect time. I think having the courage to start anew resonates with me the most.
Thanks, Debbie! I am glad it resonated with you! May the Lord bless you with courage and strength this year!
What a great resource about preparation for entering a new period. I, too, recognize how much courage it takes to start on a new path. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Thanks, Crysti! I am glad the post encouraged you. May the Lord give you courage and strength for all the new things awaiting you.
Thank you for this post about the best preparation for entering a new period. I agree that reflection is important, as well as courage and trust in the Lord. You always lay everything out so clearly.
Thanks, Lisa! I am glad you found the post helpful and encouraging. Blessings!
Thank you for this, friend. I’ve been sensing God doing a “new thing” here, and I’ve been seeking direction. This is right on track with my journey. I sure do appreciate you!
Thanks, my friend! I am happy that the post resonated with you. May the Lord guide you and prepare you for the new things He has for you.
Courage, obedience, and righteousness. So good!
Thanks, Amy! I am glad the post encouraged you!