Overcome Fear
“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.
“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:3-9)
Fear comes easily, suddenly, and without any effort or practice. It is often the smart response. Hope is a bit harder to make happen and can seem foolish. Moses was dead, and the Promised Land remained in enemy hands. Joshua was overwhelmed. He was scared. Not only did he face the burden of leading armies into battle against a powerful enemy, but he also had to face the Israelites whom he knew would be quick to compare him with the recently-dead Moses. How could he ever hope to fill those shoes?
But God appeared and reassured him that just as he had been with Moses, so he would be with Joshua. And since God would walk with him, he had nothing to fear. Fear exists in the land of doubt, in the shadow of trouble. God relieved Joshua’s doubts. He promised to relieve his troubles. He told Joshua that he loved him and would stand with him. Knowing that he was not facing the future alone, Joshua’s courage was restored.
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