So much in life can make us nervous or hesitant. There are many, many times when we would rather curl up in bed than to grasp the opportunities that lie in front of us. God seems to address this reality in his words to Joshua. “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” come to my mind often, but there is a key difference between FDR’s admonition and the words of God to Joshua. They lie in the first phrase where God says, “I hereby command you…” God was speaking to people on the brink of invading the promised land, facing what to them must have seemed an uncertain future. And God commanded them to have no fear, to proceed with courage and strength. How is such a command possible?
On a family vacation during my childhood we visited a theme park with the motto “We Make People Happy.” As we passed the turnstiles we were directed through an archway on which these words were written, and I remember my father’s reaction to this bold claim. “How can you force anyone to have a good time?” he asked with a bit of a chuckle. Being compelled to enjoy ourselves is one thing. But as the people of Israel faced the conquest of the promised land the archway they might have passed though would have been inscribed, “I make people strong and courageous with no fear or dismay.” How is this possible?
The answer lies in this: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The crossing of the Jordan was not something Israel did on its own. The Lord their God was with them throughout. Our lives are lived in isolation. The Lord is with us regardless of what circumstances we face. The people of Israel could accomplish great things but only as they were directed by God. We can do all things, too, through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). We can rise above our fear and our lack of strength because God stands with us. We can remain undaunted in our living because our hope is in Jesus Christ and not in our own abilities.
No matter what happens today, no matter what events come to pass or demand our attention, we have been freed by God’s presence to live in confidence strength. God makes it so.
Prayer: Lord, we trust in your word this day as we lay claim to your promise to strengthen us and guide us. Bless us in our efforts for it is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.
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