Bible Verse:

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Back Story:

After being freed from Egypt under Moses, the Israelites remained in the wilderness. Before entering Canaan, Moses sent 12 spies to scout the Promised Land. Of the 12 spies, only Joshua and Caleb returned with faith-filled reports. Even though they did see challenges that would have to be navigated, Joshua and Caleb were fully persuaded that the Lord would make a way for them to overcome the challenges ahead. However, the other ten spies gave a bad report of the land and persuaded the people that they were helpless and that there was no hope.

The people’s disbelief so angered the Lord that He told them He would not allow them to enter the Promised Land due to their lack of faith. Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter when the time came.

Well, here in Joshua 1, the time has finally arrived. It is now 38 years later. The Lord has promised victory for Joshua. The Lord has promised Joshua that He will be with him. Notice how the Lord repeats some variation of “be strong and courageous” three times (verses 6, 7, and 9). The Lord, being His all-knowing self, knew exactly what Joshua needed to hear at that time. He purposely emphasized “be strong and courageous” because He knew Joshua needed that reminder. I can only imagine that after 38 years, a little bit of doubt may have crept into Joshua’s mind. Joshua may have been questioning if he was still capable of leading the people to conquest.  

How This Relates to Me:

            The Lord encourages us throughout His Word to stand firm and be bold in Him. It wasn’t just a personal command given to one person. The Lord has given that command to all His children. 

            In Ephesians 6, Paul tells believers how the Lord wants us to live.

Ephesians 6:10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Sounds familiar now, doesn’t it? The Lord has emphasized walking in strength and boldness, holding firm to who He is. If God is for us, who can be against us? With the Lord on our side, there is no need to fear.

Application:

            So, let’s not just be hearers or readers of the Word, let’s be doers of the Word. How can we apply what we have just learned to our lives today?

            In order to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, we must spend more time with Him. Spending time with Him will open our eyes to who He is and who we are in Him. By reading this, you have already seen how the Lord wants you to stand firm and be bold and courageous. That’s much easier to do when you realize that the One who created the universe has your back. You are not alone. He is with you, and he is working on your behalf.