Lord of mercy,
the people heard the report of the land
and let fear drown out faith.
They wept all night,
they grumbled against Moses,
they longed for Egypt,
they even spoke of choosing another leader
to take them back to bondage.
How quickly the heart forgets Your wonders,
how easily we trade promise for prison.
O God, search me.
How often have I done the same?
Longing for what You delivered me from,
doubting the goodness of where You are leading.
Forgive my rebellion clothed as nostalgia,
my unbelief disguised as caution.
Root out the fear that makes me shrink back,
and fill me with a faith that marches forward.
Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes,
crying out, “The Lord is with us, do not fear them!”
Yet the people picked up stones.
O Lord, make me like those two
willing to stand against the crowd,
to speak courage when all around me is despair,
to hold fast to Your promise
though others threaten to silence me.
Let my words lift the weary,
let my faith spark hope,
let my life point to Your presence.
You appeared in glory at the tent,
burning with holy anger,
ready to strike down a rebellious people.
But Moses interceded,
pleading for mercy,
reminding You of Your own name
slow to anger,
abounding in steadfast love,
forgiving iniquity.
And You relented,
though judgment remained.
Lord, teach me to pray like Moses
bold in intercession,
pleading for mercy over wrath.
When others fall into sin,
let my first impulse be to cry out for their forgiveness.
Make me an intercessor,
standing in the gap,
appealing not to my righteousness
but to Yours.
Yet, Father, You swore
that this unbelieving generation
would not see the land.
Their wandering became their grave.
Only Joshua and Caleb,
men of faith,
would enter.
Lord, let my unbelief not rob me of inheritance.
Let me not die in the wilderness of doubt.
Keep me from hardening my heart
when You call me to trust.
Let me live,
and let me enter
all You have prepared.
So today, Lord,
I set my face toward the promise.
Even when giants rise,
even when fear shouts,
I choose to believe.
For You are faithful,
Your Word is sure,
and Your presence goes with me.
Do not let me turn back.
Do not let me shrink away.
Count me among the faithful
who follow You all the way home.
In the name of Jesus,
the greater Mediator,
the true Joshua,
Amen.