GOD IS // Joshua 1:9

We concluded our February message series yesterday at Hope Church where we have took a deep dive into Jesus’ teaching to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-31). I wanted to take a quick look at strength and courage this morning since there is so much happening in the world that breeds fear. Joshua 1:9 records the words God gave to Joshua after Moses’ death and before the Hebrews’ march into the Promised Land: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (ESV).

Take note what God said: courage is commanded. It is connected to the promise that God is with them wherever they go…not would be, could be, should be, might be, or will be, but is. I am sure the people were worried because their leader Moses was gone. I am sure they feared that their connection to the Almighty was buried along with the one they saw perform God’s wonders and pronounce God’s precepts. That was not the case, however; hence God’s statement that the Lord God IS with them wherever they go. That promise extends to you and me today. Let God be your strength, because GOD IS!

I am moved by the many stories of bravery and sacrifice taking place in Ukraine. I often wonder if I could muster the reserve of strength necessary to do what those heroes are doing. I want to think I would, but I can be tentative by nature. It’s easy for me to fixate on my past messes and misses and allow those to cloud my vision of the future. When I read today’s verse, though, I am reminded of what is, and that’s God. The very One who commands supernatural courage promises spiritual connection to do the things you fear you never could.

I hope you will take some time this morning to pray about God’s presence and power within you right now. I hope you will not rely on your own reservoirs of resolve, but tap into the eternal power of God that is with you. For GOD IS, now and forever!