Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Joshua 1:9
Strengthened by Christ
If you look at it biblically, and we should always look at life this way, we know that we can’t do anything of significance in our own strength, but the Apostle Paul rightly says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). Of course, these “all things” must be according to the will of God, so since it says all things, it means…well, all things! Glory to God!
Bold as a Lion
Solomon describes the righteous verses the wicked, knowing of course that we have no righteousness of our own, but it comes from Christ (2nd Cor 5:21), but “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov 28:1). Perhaps it’s a guilty conscience that makes the wicked feel, but those with a clear and clean conscience have no reason to fear, so God tells Joshua, “Do not be terrified.” If God is for us, the Apostle Paul would ask, who in the universe could ever be against us (Rom 8:31)?
No Fear
Why did God tell Joshua that he has no need to fear? Because God would be with him, and tells Joshua that God “will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). This is not a message like that of the prosperity gospel, but a message of hope that we have no reason to fear. God is the One Who is in charge, not Joshua (or you and I).
No Discouragement
It’s so easy to be discouraged in this life, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we have the sure hope of seeing God someday (Rev 21:3, 22:4), and entering into the eternal joy of the Lord. Whatever happens today cannot compare with what’s coming someday (soon?).
God is with You
When my son was young ,we went to a ballgame and the crowds of people and the noise were a bit fearful to him, so this verse came to mind where God told Joshua, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). I told my son the same thing, but I did one more thing; I took his hand and wasn’t ever going to let go of him. That immediately calmed his fear. How much more so with the omnipotent God!
Conclusion
God is the God of all comfort, so if you’re a child of His, why have any reason to fear anything, because nothing in this world, and not even death, can ever separate us from God again (Rom 8:38-39).
