The Daily: Monday February 2, 2026

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' - John 14:27

Life has a way of pulling the rug out from under us. One day everything feels stable and predictable, and the next day we're staring at a completely different landscape. Maybe it's the loss of a job, a relationship ending, a health diagnosis, or simply the realization that the path we thought we were on has suddenly vanished. The Israelites knew this feeling intimately. After forty years of wandering, they found themselves back at the Jordan River - the same crossing point where their parents had failed decades earlier. But now Moses, their trusted guide who had led them out of Egypt, was gone. The familiar voice of leadership had been silenced, and they faced the unknown with a new, untested leader.

When our familiar landmarks disappear, it's natural to feel lost and afraid. We want someone to tell us exactly what to do next, to give us a roadmap for navigating the uncertainty. But sometimes God's invitation isn't to have all the answers - it's to trust that we're not alone in the questions. The beauty of this moment in Joshua's story is that God doesn't overwhelm the new leader with complex strategies or detailed plans. Instead, God offers something much more profound: presence. 'I am with you,' God says. Not 'Here's your five-step plan,' but 'I am with you.' Today, whatever uncertainty you're facing, remember that you don't have to figure it all out. You don't need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. The God who was present with Joshua at the river's edge is present with you in your moment of transition.

Reflection
What familiar 'landmarks' in your life have recently disappeared, and how might God's presence be more important than having a clear plan for what comes next?

Prayer
God, when the familiar disappears and I can't see the path ahead clearly, help me remember that Your presence is more valuable than any roadmap. Give me peace in the uncertainty and trust in Your faithfulness. Amen.