我們在美國加州約書亞樹國家公園徒步旅行時，看到了那些形狀奇特的樹，感覺十分有趣。這些樹木的樹葉稀疏，枝條都向上伸展，如同雙手高舉向天，早期的拓荒者稱之為「約書亞樹」。許多人認為拓荒者如此命名，是因為這些樹讓他們想起在舊約的一個故事中，約書亞高舉手中的標槍，象徵上帝的同在和幫助。

以色列人進入迦南後，在戰場上需要上帝的幫助。他們因犯罪而在艾城戰敗後（約書亞記7章11-12節），很可能不敢再攻打艾城。但上帝鼓勵約書亞﹕「不要懼怕，也不要驚惶」（8章1節）。接著，上帝吩咐約書亞：「向艾城伸出手裡的標槍，因為我要把那城交在你手裡」（18節，和合本修訂版）。約書亞照著上帝的吩咐，「沒有收回手裡所伸出來的標槍」，直至全軍得勝為止（26節，同上）。約書亞手中伸出的標槍並不是得勝的關鍵，它只是象徵上帝所應許的同在和幫助。

當我們面臨困難挑戰時，一些物品能提醒我們上帝的同在，例如：一節張貼在家中的經文，一張展現上帝創造之美的照片，一條十字架項鍊。這些東西本身並不能提供幫助，但是上帝可以藉著這些物品提醒我們，祂所應許的同在與大能。

With branches of scraggly leaves growing upward like hands raised to the heavens, the unique trees we saw while hiking Joshua Tree National Park in California intrigued us. Many believe the trees were dubbed “Joshua Trees” by pioneers, who were reminded by the trees of an Old Testament story where Joshua lifted high a javelin as a sign of God’s presence and help.

After entering Canaan, the Israelites needed God’s help in battle. After being defeated at the city of Ai due to their sin (Joshua 7:11-12), the Israelites were likely afraid to fight the city again. But God encouraged Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (8:1). Then God told Joshua to “hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city” (v. 18). Joshua obeyed God and “did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin” until the battle was won (v. 26). It wasn’t the javelin in Joshua’s outstretched hand that secured the victory. Instead, it was a symbol of God’s promise to help them and be with them.

Reminders of God’s presence with us can be helpful when we face difficult challenges. A Bible verse displayed in our homes, a stunning picture of God’s creation, a cross necklace: These things don’t provide assistance, but God can use them to remind us of His promised presence and power.