Joshua 1

Scripture

 

Joshua 1:9

 

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

Observation

 

After the death of Moses, God speaks to Joshua and anoints him to be the one to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River to the land the LORD has prepared for them. God reminds Joshua that He will be with him every step of the way, the way He was with Moses before him. God reminds Joshua to obey all the instructions that Moses gave him and to continually study the book of the law that Moses gave him. Finally, God drives home the point to Joshua "to be strong and courageous." -(Those words were spoken at least 3 times to Joshua in verses 6,7, and 9).

 

Understanding

 

Life has its many trials, but we as God's people are called to be strong and courageous.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As Joshua begins to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River into the land God has prepared for them, there is surely going to be trials coming his way. So God calls him to be strong and courageous. How does he do that? By remaining strong in his faith in God, trusting God's word and direction for him, and total submission and obedience to God's ways. Now that takes strength and courage!

 

Life Application

 

 Living a life that is strong and courageous requires abiding with Jesus (through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying the prompting of His Holy Spirit).

 

Life is hard enough as it is. Why make it even more difficult by trying to get through it on our own. Why not trust in someone who already conquered all of it?..Jesus!

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

Thank You Jesus for always being by my side. Thank You for giving me the strength and courage to make it through each day. Please forgive me for straying from You at times and trying to do life on my own. I know now that I can't do it without You. Help me to remain humble and submit to Your ways. May You continue to give me the strength and courage to fulfill Your will. In Your name Jesus I pray these things, Amen.

 

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-Moses Gaddi