Nougat 23

Hello again

A stronghold could refer to “a fortified place that withstands attack (like a fort)“. It could also refer to “a place where a particular cause or belief is firmly upheld” Biblically, it is usually referencing the latter. We are referencing both, as well as systems and structures that are geared at blocking God’s purposes for our lives. We continue our 7-day journey to destroy strongholds in our lives with today’s Holy Nougat

“Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!”

On the second day they again marched around the town once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days.” Joshua‬ ‭6:10, 14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Here we are at the second day of our journey. And the word for us is ‘Silence’. We note that the people marched around the city just once; with nothing passing from their lips.

Keeping our own counsel is not always easy. But it is sometimes a necessity. For we may be sharing our thoughts with persons who are part of the stronghold; or who are not authorized to accompany us in prayer. This doesn’t negate the person(s) who joined us in prayer yesterday. Rather it’s a call to minimize the talk around the issue.

We walk around our Jericho in silence; applying the Word (which we speak about in detail tomorrow), and having completed our journey around the strongholds in silence, we leave it alone. I suspect that may be the hardest part for many of us – not taking the situation up to God time and again. But this is where Paul’s commendation to the church at Philippi applies to us. When we make our request to God, we bask in God’s peace and focus on Jesus (Philippians 4).

In focusing on Jesus rather than the stronghold, we shift our priorities to the right place. For, it is Jesus Who promised that when God and God’s purposes become our priority, then God takes care of the rest (Matthew 6). So our reprioritizing is to return our focus on what we can do and allowing God to do what only God can do.

So, we ‘see’ our Jericho, and journey around it in silent prayer; holding steadfast to God’s Word. Having so done, we continue with our day.

May God’s blessings and clarity be ours.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .