In Joshua 1:7-9, the Lord says:
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
It takes strength and courage to stand up for God’s law, and to stay obedient to it or to repent from wrongdoing. It takes strength and courage to step out in faith and to believe against all odds that we will be victorious in difficult situations. It takes strength and courage to stand up to ridicule, to remain faithful to the values of God, and resist the temptations of the world that sinks lower and lower into wickedness. There will always be challenges in this world but our heavenly Father has given us the steps to overcome through His word. With God,
Following are three of the key takeaways from Joshua 1:7-9 in addition to the emphasis on being strong and courageous.
1. Obey God’s commandments whether he wants to or not because it’s the only way Israel will prosper (Joshua 1:7).
2. Think about God and the word of God all the time, all day. (Joshua 1:8).
3. Fight discouragement when it comes – knowing that God is with him wherever he goes. (Joshua 1:9)
God wants us to seek Him first and above all because we can only be strong and courageous when our strength comes from Him. We can know that the Lord will always be with us in whatever circumstances we face. Joshua 1:9 can be applied to almost every challenge in life. Whether it be a virus, loss of job, broken relationships, sickness, disappointment, the encouragement to be strong and of good courage is fitting. God will be with us when we carry out His mission and obey His word.
Although God spoke to Joshua specifically about the Promised Land, Jesus tells us to observe all that He commanded us and that He will be with us always. What started with one man getting a mission and being promised the power and presence of God, led to all of us receiving the mission and being promised the presence and power of God.
So, let us go forth into the world in 2022 with the message of Christ in our words, deeds, and behavior. Be strong and courageous!