The exodus story reaches its end after the local inhabitants in Palestine have been conquered and Joshua gathers the people together before each going to their tribal lands. He challenges them: “Decide today whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” The people remember all that God had done for them getting them back to the Promised Land after years of slavery. They respond: “We also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.” The entire rest of the Bible — and indeed the history of believers ever since — testifies to the fact that serving the Lord is easier said than done. One practice to help us maintain our fidelity is gratitude — thanking God for many blessings received.
