"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Poor Joshua! Here he was, facing the greatest challenge of his life. Moses was dead. God had hand-picked him to lead the Israelites into the land promised so long ago. He must have been terrified! How could he, a mere man, face an entire country of enemies?
God knew how Joshua must have felt. Three times He told him, "Be strong and courageous." And God promised to be with him wherever he went.
I once had someone ask me to describe what it is to be whole. My answer was quick: "To be strong and courageous." I actually think I used the word confidence rather than courage, but to me, the primary attributes of wholeness - the things which I have seemed to lack the most, were the very things that Joshua was lacking. If he didn't lack strength and courage, why did God tell him three times?
Lord, if there is one thing besides sin that plagues me, it is fear. I have lived most of my life afraid of something. Most people around me would be surprised, for I have learned the fine art of wearing a mask of courage. In truth, I am afraid. Not a day goes by when I do not struggle with it. But just as You could see Joshua's heart, You see mine. There is no mask I can wear that hides the truth from You.
Help me to remember Your words: "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Help me to be strong and courageous. I have no reason to fear, for You are always here!