Tag: Joshua 1

HomeTag: Joshua 1

16
Apr '18

Do Not Fear

Posted on Apr 16, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

16
Apr '18
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:7, 9) 
 
Fear is a natural emotion that can be good when used for protection but debilitating when allowed to control us. Fear can hinder our judgment and potentially prevent us from moving forward to receive all that God has for us. We too are fearful of many things, from losing control to the unpredictability of our future.  God was very straightforward and serious when counseling Joshua about fear. 
 
Courage means “to show oneself strong” or “to be alert.” Other words associated with courage are “agile, quick and energetic.” We tend to associate those words as personality types, not godly traits. If God commands us to be strong and courageous, then He desires for all His children to have such traits. He also gives us the same promises He gave to Joshua. Three times, the Lord told Joshua to be strong and of good courage. He then commanded Joshua to obey, while promising him that He would go with him wherever he goes. And Joshua did. 
 
God tells us the same thing and He has given us the same promises. Hebrews 13:5 says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The Lord has also given us His Holy Spirit that lives within us – meaning that wherever we go God goes too. And He tells us that all authority has been given to us through Jesus. What excuse do we have? Are we as apt to be “agile, quick and energetic” as we saw Joshua to be? We have no excuse to not receive all that God has promised us as His children. We have no excuse to not fully believe His Word and study His Word and live out His will. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous in taking the inheritance as well as in living according to God’s ways. It takes courage to live for God and strength to uphold His commands. Both strength and courage are needed, to have both His inheritance and obedience. 
 
What is stopping you? If it is fear, ask Him to give you courage. If it is apathy, ask Him to motivate you to be diligent. Tell the Lord that you want all He has purposed in His heart for you. Tell Him that you do not want anything to separate you from His will, including yourself. Tell Him to help your unbelief and empower you to push forward. And remember, do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 
 
Do not be afraid, how powerful are those words. No matter the outcome of last week or even this weekend, remember, today’s a new day, let’s start today by having an honest and open conversation with God. He hears and He answers, sometimes the answer isn’t what we want to hear but we can be sure that no matter the outcome, He’s not surprised by it and He is with you wherever you go. Do not allow anything to separate you from His will. Do Not Fear!  
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 30:16

04
May '17

Unlighted Paths

Posted on May 4, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: ,

04
May '17

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)

After Moses’s death, Joshua inherited leadership of the Israelites and was charged to take God’s chosen people into the Promised Land. Despite his divine commission, Joshua must have felt challenged by the daunting nature of his task. God graciously offered Joshua assurance to be with him on the journey ahead (Josh. 1:9).

The road of life often travels through uncharted territory. We voyage through seasons when the path ahead isn’t clearly visible. God’s plan may not always be apparent to us, but He has promised to be with us “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). What greater assurance could we hope for, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we might face? Even when the path is unlit, the Light is with us.

Lord, thank You for being near me even when I cannot see You. Please comfort me with Your presence. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think of a recent conversation I had with someone. They said, I don’t understand why God has me here, there is nothing here for me or my family, I don’t understand why. What truth comes from this devotion today, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we are facing, even when the path is unlit and we can’t see the purpose or reason and the path ahead isn’t clearly visible we must never forget, the Light is always with us and His plan and purpose is beyond our understanding or comprehension, our job is to be obedient and find the good in our current situation despite how dark it may look, remember always, The Light is with you. Trust Him and be faithful, even in times of complete darkness. Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Joshua 1:1-9