Tag: Joshua

  • Feeling cowardly or courageous?

    How do you handle bad news? Or news that could potentially be negative? Do you fuss and fume for days on end like I am inclined to do?

    I’m programmed to ask my family and friends for prayer. Even that took years to sink in that more prayers equal more power. But I’m sometimes negligent to go to my heavenly Father immediately. I tend to over-analyze the situation looking at all the possible human angles. If the result of that situation is ____, then what about ____? This could happen and if that happens, then such and such could result.

    As a child, I learned the verse “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.” I didn’t forget the verse, but I don’t always put the verse into practice in my own life when worries knock at my door.

    “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.

    Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be strong and courageous. But sometimes I more closely resemble a coward. Teach me to lean on You. I need to believe and trust that You have my best interests in mind. Help me to live my life in such a way that others see I am not afraid of whatever comes my way. I want to rejoice in You during the good and the bad times. With You by my side, nothing is impossible. Amen. 

    What circumstance in your life today causes you grief or stress?

  • Do not be afraid

    Moses and the tablets of Law (Wikipedia)

      “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” — Joshua 1:5. 

    We need not be afraid because God tells us he will never leave or forsake us. When bills mount, the car breaks down, and our body doesn’t work like it used to, God still cares. God won’t abandon us when times are tough.

    Some suggestions for times of crisis found in Joshua 1:  

    1. Be strong and courageous
    2. Obey the law and do not turn away from God’s word (the Bible)
    3. Meditate on God’s word day and night
    4. Do not be discouraged

    These are not easy things to do especially when the going get rough. But this is exactly what I need to do during the bleak hours and days. No one else will come through for me like my God. I need to trust and obey — for there’s no other way.

    Have you told the God of the universe your troubles today? Isn’t it time you confide in the One who cares the most about you?

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  • Be strong

    “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).

    God encourages Joshua as a new generation of Israelites prepares to enter the promise land. They’d been wandering around for 40 years in the desert. I’m guessing they were mighty eager for a chance to finally cross over to Canaan and wondered more than once when they’d be finished wandering. Those words bring comfort to me too. Just like Joshua and the Israelites, I need to remember that no matter where God leads, He’ll be there by my side and promises to never leave me.

    Discouragement enters my heart when a loved one misunderstands me and a close relationship goes sour. My tendency is to want to fix it right now. My mind projects into the future and dwells on a worst case scenario outcome. I find it hard to be patient and wait for God to work out the situation His way and in His perfect timing. God knows what I’m going through and the defeat I feel.  The remedy is to put on the full armor of God, stand strong and be courageous. With God on my side, who can be against me?

    Prayer: Dear God, forgive me for being so impatient and wanting it my way right now.

    Ask: Is there some battle or war you must fight this week? Do you believe God knows about your struggle? Is there any reason why you cannot let go and let God shoulder the burden for you?

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