"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 1:9
Last week was a bit tough. After having a few things come up, I have been wrestling with feelings of fear, stress, doubt, and discouragement. I don't think it's a coincidence that our pastor is having us memorize this verse as we go through our current study.
In this verse, Moses had passed and Joshua was named as the next leader of the Israelites. In assuming this position, he would also be the one to lead the people into their long-awaited Promised Land. If you read in Numbers 13, you will see that Joshua was one of the spies who were first sent into the land, so he knew the dangers and difficulties that lie ahead. I'm sure when he saw the enormity of the task before him, he felt extremely overwhelmed.
When you look at the Hebrew translation for this verse, God was telling Joshua to not only be strong and courageous, but to not be afraid or distressed. The word 'dismayed' in Hebrew means to be broken down by something (i.e. fear, stress, worry). God knew the challenges that Joshua would face, but Joshua wasn't going to have to face them alone. Joshua could have confidence that no matter where He would go, God was with Him.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Fearful? The same God that was with Joshua is also with you... wherever you go.
