To read this text CLICK HERE

Joshua 1:7-9, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Today, we begin the book of Joshua.  Moses has passed away and it's Joshua's turn to lead God's people.  There is no way that Joshua could fill Moses' leadership shoes but God assured Joshua that he could do this.  He could be brave, strong, and confident, because he knew he wasn't alone.  The presence of holy and powerful God went with him. 

But there were conditions.  Joshua could be successful and experience the presence of God IF he kept the law.  This didn't mean simply follow the law superficially but mediate on it day and night, keeping it always on his lips.  He needed to know the law and live the law. Doing so would ensure God's presence and power went with him and the people. 

The focus verses for today, in verse 9, close with a second command to be strong and courageous.  I find it interesting that this is mentioned again so close to the other command to be strong and courageous (verse 7).  It underscores how important this was for Joshua.  He had to be strong and brave because he was the mouthpiece of God, the chosen leader as the people entered the promised land.  Any sign of fear or worry would certainly affect the people as they headed into battle. Joshua needed to be a beacon of hope, strength, and courage, truly embodying God's strength for them.

Do you find it hard to be strong and courageous at times?  As Christians, we know that the presence of the living God is always with us.  After all, the Holy Spirit resides within us.  God is closer than our very breath.  On this side of the cross, God's presence is not dependent on our obedience, as was the case with Joshua, but certainly we experience God's presence more deeply when we spend time in his Word and abide with him in prayer.  That being said, it's easy to allow fear and worry to seep into our hearts and minds.  It happens to me all the time.  I can only imagine how Joshua was feeling as he prepared to go into Canaan.  He knew God was with him but he had no idea what was actually going to occur.  I think that's us too.  We know God is with us but we have no guarantees as to what's next in our lives and that leads to fear and anxiety.  It truly is a constant decision to trust and lay all the circumstances of our lives at the feat of Jesus.  Over and over and over again.

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, We give you our worries, our fears, and our burdens.  We lay them down right now at the foot of the cross AND we pray that you give us the strength to not pick them back up.  We make a decision to trust you right now.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.