5 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Joshua 1-4
Luke 6:1-26

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Joshua 1:6 (CSB): “Be strong and courageous …”

Reflecting on God’s Word

All of us need strength and courage. We don’t like to feel weak and helpless, and we don’t like to feel cowardly. Life would gobble us up like a ferocious lion, especially during difficult times, if we didn’t have what it takes to stand our ground with strength and courage.

In Joshua 1:6-9, Joshua had inherited the task of leading Israel upon Moses’ death. So, God gave Joshua three specific truths that he could rest in and act upon that would give him the strength and courage he would need. The wonderful thing about these verses is that they are transferable – we can also claim these promises so we can also obtain the strength and courage necessary to navigate life.

First of all, we need to define our terms. What is strength? What is courage?

Strength is the ability and tenacity to keep doing the next right thing even in the face of opposition. After all, we don’t need strength if the tasks are easy, right?

Courage is the ability to do the hard things, even when opposition or uncertainty creates a degree of fear in our hearts. After all, we cannot be courageous unless there is a fear to be conquered.

So, we need courage to do the next right thing because fear might stop us, and we need strength because it will almost certainly not be easy. How can we obtain these two non-negotiables for a life of significance, particularly for those in positions of influence and leadership?

Actively Appropriate God’s Promises (v. 6)

Joshua 1:6 (CSB): “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their ancestors to give them as an inheritance. “

God told Joshua that he could have the strength and courage he would need to lead Israel into the unchartered waters of conquering the Promised Land because God, Himself, had made the promise. And God will keep every single promise He has ever made.

Friend, this works for us, too. If you need strength and courage, determine where your weakness or timidity is coming from. Then, look in the Scriptures for a promise that addresses your fear. Read that promise, study it until you fully understand it, believe it, and rest in it (trust).

Passionately Obey God’s Word (v. 7-8)

Joshua 1:7-8 (CSB): “Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

God told Joshua that he could have the strength and courage he would need to lead Israel as he committed to meditate on God’s Word, speaking about it regularly, and determining (by the Holy Spirit’s power) to obey it.

God delights to bless those who are obedient to His Word but must discipline those who disobey. So, if we want the good stuff that God desires to give to us (among which is strength and courage), we need to live lives of obedience and let Him bless us as He sees fit.

Confidently Rest in God’s Presence (v. 9)

Joshua 1:9 (CSB): “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The first and final reason that God gave Joshua for obtain strength and courage is that he would never be alone as He obeyed the Lord. The Lord his God was with him everywhere he went.

For the New Testament believe, we have it even better. It’s not merely that God is walking beside us, He is now in us in the person of the God the Holy Spirit. Why shouldn’t we have strength and courage?

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see where you need strength and courage to be the man/woman God has called you to be.
  • Ask God to help you find some relevant promise(s) in His Word that you can rest in.
  • Ask God to help you get into His Word and get His Word into you so that you can comply with it.
  • Ask God to help you live with a conscious awareness of His presence with you each moment of the day.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into God’s instruction and promises to Joshua, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“Does God’s promise to Joshua and Israel in Joshua 1:9 apply to us?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)