As we step into a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about crossroads. That’s why Joshua 24 felt so fitting for this moment. Israel was standing at a decisive point in their story, and in many ways, so are we. A new year doesn’t magically change our lives, but it does give us space to pause, reflect, and ask honest questions about who we are and where we’re headed.
Joshua gathers the people and reminds them of one thing over and over again: God is the one who acted. God chose Abraham. God delivered them from Egypt. God brought them through the wilderness. God gave them a land they didn’t earn, cities they didn’t build, and vineyards they didn’t plant. Before Joshua ever calls them to choose, he reminds them of grace. Their obedience was never meant to be an attempt to earn God’s favor—it was always meant to be a response to what God had already done.
That’s where the new year meets us. Before I start making resolutions or plans, I need to remember what is already true. My salvation was not my doing. My calling was not my initiative. Every blessing I enjoy in Christ is something I received, not something I achieved. When I forget that, obedience becomes burdensome. When I remember it, obedience becomes an act of gratitude.
Joshua’s words still cut straight to the heart: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” He doesn’t allow room for half-hearted faith or divided loyalty. God will not share His throne with idols, even respectable ones. The question isn’t whether serving the Lord is good—it clearly is. The real question is whether I’m willing to give Him everything or whether I’m still trying to keep certain doors closed.
The new year invites that kind of examination. Am I trusting God with my family? With my words? With my time, my money, my relationships? Am I giving Him access to every part of my life, or only the parts that feel safe?
Joshua ends with a declaration that still challenges me: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That’s not just personal devotion—it’s generational faithfulness. It’s a commitment to lead, to model, and to point everyone within my sphere of influence toward the Lord.
As this year begins, my prayer is simple: that I would choose again—deliberately and joyfully—to serve the Lord, not out of fear, but out of love, remembering all that He has already done.
