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.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
God told Joshua three times in this chapter that he would need to be strong and courageous in order to be successful against the Canaanites, who outnumbered Israel. The people would also need to be careful to obey all the instructions Moses had given them if Israel were to settle the land, establish productive farms, and build homes, villages, and cities. The land is God’s land, as is the whole earth (Ps 24:1); God brought Israel into Canaan as tenants, not as owners (Lev 25:23).
As the Israelites entered Canaan, they would fight the worshipers of the Canaanite gods, but they were afraid that these gods would grant the Canaanites victory in battle. In reassuring Joshua, God used his personal name the LORD (Hebrew Yahweh) to remind Joshua that the Lord was more powerful than any false gods the Canaanites might invoke.
My friend, we have entered into a new era where there is truly a battle for all of us to enter our promised land. We are facing fortresses and giants but the Good news is that Our God is bigger than they are. God is with us. Be strong and courageous is not an option neither an advice but an order coming directly from God. He is commanding, calling, commissioning us to be strong, to be courageous and not to be afraid or discouraged. When we are in the way of God’s duty, we have all reasons to be strong and very bold.
God is with us and let’s be strong, courageous, not afraid neither discouraged to bring God’s Glory to our daily working places but also in our family, in our regions and to our nations. The Lord is with us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I’m hearing your commandment and I will obey it. I put my trust in you and believe in your word. I declare : I’m strong ! I’m bold and courageous !I’m not afraid !I’m not discouraged ! Thank you God, as You are with me I will overcome any battles during this year by Your Grace.
Quote: When we are in the way of God’s duty, we have all reasons to be strong, very bold, not afraid neither discouraged.
Song: Be strong and take courage – Don Moen
