Are you going through some tough times right now?

Perhaps you have recently lost your job or you may be going through a difficult divorce.

You may be going through a series of difficulties one after the other.

If these things resonate with you don’t despair because now is the best time to pause for a while and take some time to examine your life.

Your troubles may be happening because you are accommodating an accursed thing in your life.

The “accursed things” are somethings that are devoted or appointed to utter destruction (Strong Concordance).

The “accursed things” may be hidden sins or anything that you consider more precious to you than God.

Thus, persistent troubles may arise from hidden sins or misplaced priorities, which will mpede your spiritual growth.

The Lord is encouraging you to,

“Get up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you. (Joshua 7:13 NKJV)

Sanctification to remove the accursed things

During the Old Testament, sanctification involves a physical ritual where the blood and the anointing oil is sprinkled upon the priest and his sons and also upon their clothes (Exodus 29:21).

Sanctification of the people involves washing themselves and their clothes and even avoiding sexual activity (Exodus 19:14-15).

The physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins, so our sanctification is spiritual.

It involves examining our hearts, repentance, and accepting God’s saving grace.

You cannot face your enemies or your troubles all by yourself.

You need the presence of God in your life to fight your battle and to be your strength in the midst of trials.

I pray that you will reach out to God in times of trouble because the “Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalms 9:9 NKJV) Amen.