Yesterday we began our Immerse: KINGDOMS journey in Joshua 1–10 with what sounds almost like a contradiction:
Finding Rest in the Conquest.
Joshua’s world was filled with armies, fortified cities, uncertainty, battles, and competing kingdoms. Yet before the first battle was fought, God promised His people rest.
We learned the biblical idea of Shabbat—to stop, to cease, to rest. Shabbat is stopping because we trust God enough to believe that everything does not depend upon us.
Joshua 1–10 showed us competing places of trust:
Jericho trusted its walls.
Achan trusted possessions.
Kings trusted alliances and strength.
God simply said: TRUST ME.
And that brought us to a question that will follow us throughout our 16-week KINGDOMS journey:
Whose reign am I trusting enough to rest beneath?
Our rest isn’t found in the absence of trouble. Our rest is found in the presence of the King.
As we continue reading this week, may we increasingly discover that God’s Kingdom is not another kingdom demanding that we strive harder. It is an invitation to live beneath the reign of the King who says:
“Come to Me…and I will give you rest.”

This Week’s Prayer
King Jesus, teach me to trust Your reign enough to rest beneath it. When uncertainty causes me to reach for control, remind me that You are still King. When fear causes me to seek security in the kingdoms around me, draw my heart back to You. Thank You that Your presence goes before me and remains with me. Teach my soul to stop striving and to Shabbat in You. May my obedience flow from trusting You, not from trying to earn what You have already graciously given. I am Yours. Reign in me. Amen.

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Weekly Challenge: Where Are You Seeking Rest?

This week, when you feel yourself becoming anxious, striving for control, or reaching for security, don’t immediately try to do something about it.
Instead, allow the moment to become an invitation.
Ask:
“What am I trusting right now to give me rest?”
Then remember God’s promise:
“The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Take a moment to stop—to Shabbat—and simply acknowledge:
God is present.
God is faithful.
God is King.
Everything does not depend upon me.
And carry this question with you throughout the week:
Whose reign am I trusting enough to rest beneath?