Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
The book of Joshua begins with God commissioning Joshua to lead the people across Jordan into the promised land. Up until this point, God had given commands to the Israelites through Moses, their great leader. However, following Moses’ death, the leadership was transitioning into Joshua’s hands. Everyone, including Joshua, was nervous and anxious about the future. Is Joshua going to be as effective as Moses? Will they get to live in the promised land? What’s next?
It is exactly at this point that the all-knowing God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous! Not once but 3 times (Joshua 1:6,7,9). Such reassurance from the very God who knows the future is more than enough for Joshua to assume command. He believed and took a leap of faith. The rest is history as they enter the promised land, and the nation of Israel finally settles.
Any change in our normally comfortable lives can make us miserable, too. How often do we waste our time and energy stressing about our next steps? Today’s verse is our assurance to be strong and courageous. When we obey God’s commands (Joshua 1:7) and do what He says, there’s no room for anxiety. Why trust our instincts when it’s much easier to trust in the Lord, who knows our future? There is only one way to overcome fear: trusting in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), for He has promised to be with us wherever we go and direct whatever we do.
Meditating on the Word of God day and night, and following it faithfully without compromise, will make us successful (Joshua 1:8). So, from today, let’s learn to cling to God and say no to fear!
