In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua: 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.
When Moses died, God told Joshua to take the place of Moses and lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land.
The fact that God told Joshua to be strong and courageous showed that this was no easy task but one with numerous challenges and oppositions.
In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua: 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.
When Moses died, God told Joshua to take the place of Moses and lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land.
The fact that God told Joshua to be strong and courageous showed that this was no easy task but one with numerous challenges and oppositions.
The fact that God told Joshua not to be afraid and discouraged showed that there were situations that Joshua would experience that would bring fear and discouragement.
Why should Joshua not be afraid or discouraged? Why should Joshua be strong and courageous?
When you read the ending part of Joshua 1:9, it says, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. The presence of God with Joshua was enough reason for him to be strong and courageous and not be afraid or discouraged.
When God sends you to do something, He doesn't leave you to it, but sees you through it Psalm 32 verse 8 says, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, The LORD will go before you; He will not fail or forsake you; fear not, nor be dismayed.
David said in Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The amazing thing about a shepherd's rod and staff is that they are symbolic of God's guidance, protection, and care.
In the face of challenges and trials, you won't lack God's guidance, protection, and care. Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
With God by your side, no situation or adversity can defeat you or stand in your way. God has already addressed every fear, every worry, and every need, even before we knew it existed.
Yes, I know you are tired and feel like giving up, but be strong and keep going. The trials get more intense when you are at the verge of breakthrough. Yes, the giant before you looks fierce and invincible, but don't be afraid; confront the giant courageously like David.
No one that has God by his side ever suffers defeat or becomes a casualty in the battle field of life.
Yes, I know it's discouraging when there seems to be no immediate results and instead of getting support from those around, what you get is mockery and opposition. David said in Psalm 42:5, Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
No matter what you are currently faced with, be strong and courageous, don't be afraid or discouraged because God is with you and will see you through.
