Today’s reading: Joshua 1; Numbers 27:12-23; Psalm 46

“But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” – Deuteronomy 3:28

Joshua served faithfully under the leadership of Moses, and Moses took the time to teach him along the way. Moses was the mentor and Joshua was his apprentice. Moses would not be entering the Promised Land, but God allowed him to be a part by investing in the future of His people — by training his successor.

Then the Lord commissioned Joshua son of Nun with these words: “Be strong and courageous, for you must bring the people of Israel into the land I swore to give them. I will be with you.” – Deuteronomy 31:23

Joshua heard directly from God after Moses died, making it clear that this was his God-appointed moment — that God had called him and would be with him. He was no longer the intern; he was now the leader.

“…the time has come for you to lead…I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you’…No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” – Joshua 1:2-5

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people…Be strong and VERY courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command — be strong and very courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:6-9

God’s instructions for Joshua were very clear — be strong and courageous, and be careful to obey all of my instructions. Joshua’s leadership was God-ordained, but he was never meant to lead out of his own strength and wisdom. God had provided Joshua with His word so that he could study it and meditate on it. All the instructions were there for him, just as God would provide the courage.

GOD PROVIDES THE COURAGE WE NEED TO SAY YES TO HIS ASSIGNMENT.

Leadership is hard. The moment Joshua stepped into the top leadership position, it may have seemed to others that he was living his best life. But leading God’s people had never been easy for Moses, it would not be easy for Joshua, and it is still not easy today. Leadership assignments come with stress and anxiety; they come with tough decisions and interpersonal conflicts.

“Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Don’t be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

I think we can all relate to those moments when we want to follow God with all our heart, but it takes overcoming fear to really embrace our faith. Perhaps God’s words of instruction to Joshua are exactly what you need to hear today. Today would be a great day to pray for courage — for freedom from the fear that threatens to cripple us and from the anxiety that tries to steal our joy.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:4

GOD HELPS US OVERCOME OUR FEAR SO THAT WE CAN EMBRACE OUR FAITH.

I am guessing Joshua knew a lot about this battle between fear and faith. Fear fights our faith, weakening our resolve and attacking our confidence in the God who has promised to provide and protect. But faith is exactly what we need to overcome the power of our fear. It is a gift from God.

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! – Psalm 46:1-3

God, I recognize this morning that you are my refuge and my strength. You are always there for me when I am in trouble or feeling troubled. Because of that, I will not fear when my world is shaken, I will not be afraid when life comes crumbling down around me. I choose to be still and know that you are God. Please free me from the anxiety that steals my confidence and discourages me from saying YES to all that you want to accomplish in me and through me. Amen.