Stay strong and do not fear

I’m reminded again today of the encouraging words found in Joshua 1:9 which says:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

This scripture is so inspiring and holds a great command and a great promise.

This was directed by God to Joshua. But I believe this is also for us today.

There are four parts to this command, consisting of two things we must be and two we should not.

Be strong! Be courageous!

Don’t be afraid! Don’t be dismayed!

I wonder which one of those four words you associate with the most? In recent times, fear seems to have gripped the nation and the church, which is not from God.

But if we are fearful, or dismayed then we should simply repent and come to God to remove those feelings and give us strength and courage.

We are not just asked, but commanded not to fear or be dismayed, but instead to be strong and courageous. The reason we are given is that the lord our God is with us wherever we go.

No matter how strong we think we are, ultimately the flesh is weak. This was pointed out by Jesus when the disciples could not commit to prayer.

Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Mark 14:37, 38.

Without God, we fall to temptation or fail to see things through. Only God makes the difference.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13.

Thankfully, the command to be strong is not speaking about our strength, but the strength of the Lord our God. In this we can be bold. In Him we are not afraid or dismayed. Knowing God promises to be with us wherever we go, allows us to walk in faith and victory.