Joshua 7: Why Have You Forsaken Me?

"Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the Lord with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads."

Joshua 7:6

The Lord had promised to make Israel prosper, and yet their army fled in fear from the men of Ai.  Joshua had personally received the promise form the Lord, and he cried out in anguish, asking the Lord why He turned His face away from His people.

One man had stolen Israel's victory by disobeying the Lord's command concerning what should be set apart for His coffers.  One man had taken riches from Jericho as his own instead of giving them to the Lord.  One man brought terrible grief to his whole nation.

But what I wanted to focus on was Joshua's initial response when he saw that the Lord had turned away - bow before Him in humility and repentance, begging for His mercy and for understanding.

Question of the Day:

How grand a place would the world be if every man were to bow down in humility and repentance, seeking mercy and understanding, when their world turns upside-down?  How would your life be different if you did this when things don't go well for you?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, why have You turned Your face away from me?  I know not what I have done!  Bring me back into Your grace and forgiveness so that I may understand what I have done to offend You and so that I may change my evil ways!  Amen.