Be Strong and Courageous! | Joshua 1

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today?

Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert.

On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua, I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can’t sleep, etc. I’ve learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg.

As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well:

“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” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).

Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out of bondage and across the desert wilderness—just died. Joshua had served as his assistant. Now, God was calling him to step up and lead Israel into the Promised Land.

The task was overwhelming. The Israelites weren’t warriors. They were wanderers. Joshua alone could never conquer the strongholds of Canaan. But, he wasn’t alone.

Life is overwhelming at times. As a child of God, I’m not alone either. He is always with me. What God calls me to accomplish, he will empower me to do.

God’s Part:

God chose Joshua. The people had no vote. What role/assignment has God chosen for me: wife, parent, daughter, writer, employee, unemployed, student, teacher, caregiver, person with an illness? He will empower me to fulfill his will.
God did it. “I will give you every place where you set your foot” (Joshua 1:3). It wasn’t up to Joshua to make this happen. It was on God. First, I must discern what God has called me to accomplish versus what responsibilities I’m piling on myself. Then, I can confidently lean on his strength. It’s not up to me to succeed, to impact, to change my world. It’s on God.
God was with Joshua. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5b). He’s with me, too.

My Part:

Own the role/assignment God’s chosen for me. I can’t meet every need on my horizon. I can’t be all things to all people. But, I can be who God has called me to be today.
Cooperate with God. This takes strength, courage, and faith (Joshua 1:9). Joshua didn’t just sit in his tent. He led Israel into battle. Oddly, in this season, I need courage to rest from the battle: to back off on commitments and responsibilities. I must trust God to complete what needs to be done (without me micromanaging it).
Meditate on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8). Know it. Believe it. Live it.

Oh, Lord, I feel small and weak. You are the Strong One. Give me strength and faith and courage to fulfill your will today. May your strength be perfected in my weakness.[1]