A life of faith requires strength and courage. God calls us to places we don’t expect, life throws us curves we didn’t sign up for, and forces of unrighteousness around us can look impossible to change. Like David facing Goliath, we encounter Goliaths in our own lives that cause anxiety, wake us up at night, and often keep us focused on the Goliath, rather than on the God who defeats our Goliaths.

 This is why I love Joshua 1:6-9. Here, the Lord gives Joshua his instructions for taking over the leadership of Israel from Moses on the verge of entering the promised land.  “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua had no idea what was in front of him as he led the people to take the promised land, but three times God says to him, “Be strong and courageous.” This is not because the people were stronger than their enemies but because God was. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.” Our fears are not God’s fears. He has no fears, nor limitations. What He asks us to do or gives us to deal with is always possible because of His power. Our job is to recognize that and to be strong and courageous no matter what the circumstances.

There is another instruction that God gives Joshua: “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 

The key to being strong and courageous is always to stay close to God. And to follow Him in obedience. As we do so, He gives us just what we need for each day and we are reminded through His word that He is with us and for us and what it means to follow Him closely. Our relationship with Him keeps our hearts fresh and our courage high. Neglect Him and our hearts grow stale and the giants we face become fearsome to us.

Today, ask the Lord for strength and courage to face the day and take the time to refresh your heart and soul in His word. Remember the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

PRAYER

I thank You that You are more powerful than issues or challenges that I could face. And, that You are with me wherever I go. Give me strength and courage today and the confidence that You have my situation under control. Amen.