Joshua 1:6-9

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers 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. Do not let the Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:6-9

Joshua was facing the greatest challenge of his life; bring the children of Israel into the promised land and give them their inheritance. But God is good to give him this word of strength and guidance for his life. He is to follow God, obey what He says, and meditate on the Word and in return God promises to prosper him and give him success. These words are true for us today. Though following Jesus (obeying Him and living out His heart of love and service) can be quite a challenge, we need to be strong and courageous as we set out to accomplish what Jesus calls us to do.

There are so many voices around us that tell us who we are and what we need. So we need to adopt a bit of a warfare mentality as we determine to be strong and courageous to follow God’s principles and not the world’s. We need to set out each day (maybe even moment by moment) to focus on what God says and meditating on His Word will help. God is so faithful to us to provide. Only He is the answer and anchoring our lives in Him will bring us peace. Obedience to Him will bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

God also says to us that we should not be dismayed. In other words, don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid. Near the heart of God there is a place of quiet rest. As we meditate on His Word and His promises to us, we find our anchor. So let’s move ahead, anchored in Him, trusting His promises and walking in His strength and courage. Only in Him do we have hope, a future, and wonderful purpose as we walk out the abundant life God has promised us.