Tuesday, August 15 – Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Certain phrases or words of wisdom stay with us and help us in tough times. Maybe it is a word of encouragement before a job interview or a pump-up speech in the pre-game huddle. We give these words of encouragement on the front end of a goal, knowing that as we face challenges we may begin to question our strength or capacity to complete the task. Words of encouragement can anchor us when our circumstances are chaotic.
God spoke today’s verse at the beginning of Joshua’s leadership journey. As God instructed Joshua about what he was called to do, God also prepared him with encouragement that would be crucial for the journey. This encouragement was simple but not easy to follow—be strong and do not fear. God was equipping Joshua and would be with Him wherever He went. Joshua needed this reminder when the tough moments came. If we are in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us every moment of our lives, but we often forget this when we face opposition. It is impossible to be strong and courageous in our faith without the work of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to not live or react out of fear and discouragement if we do not have God with us. But with Him, we have hope to overcome any daunting moments we face. Our hope is not that we can be strong on our own but that the God of the universe is our strength.
- What does it look like to be strong and courageous in your faith?
- Why do you most often fall in to fear or dismay? How does God’s presence give you hope?
- Pray and ask God to remind you that He is equipping and strengthening you in your faith.
