Joshua chapter 1 is a magnificent new beginning. It begins after the death of Moses with God choosing Joshua to continue leading the Hebrews to the promised land. God reveals to Joshua the instructions he gave Moses regarding the land which would be inherited. In verse 5-9 God understands Joshua’s fear in filling the shoes of Moses and having to lead the Hebrews in the place of Moses. Joshua had been there to see all that Moses went through as being God’s chosen one to lead the Hebrews. Knowing that Joshua held fear and was naturally overwhelmed by such great shoes to fill, as well as knowing there would be war with the Hittites to acquire the land God promised, God encourages Joshua in verse 5 by telling him, “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life:” In verse 6 he instructs Joshua to “Be strong and of a good courage.” And again in verse 7 going even further telling him “Only be thou strong and very courageous.”
Turning from physical strength to the strength of God’s Word, in verse 8 God instructs Joshua to not let the book of the law depart from his mouth. He even tells Joshua, “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. In doing so, Joshua would always have the strength of God with him. Although Joshua was very familiar with the law he was stepping into a new position of leadership. A position in which he would have to lead by example in order to secure the proper outcome, not only for himself but for God’s chosen people. Of equal importance God was showing Joshua that he could draw his strength and courage from God’s written Word. Putting his stamp on it by affirming to Joshua in verse 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.” Once again encouraging Joshua to be strong with good courage and assuring him that the Lord would be with him wherever he goes.
Application
Although scholars believe the book of Joshua was written in or around 550 BC, God still wants his children to live an exemplary life today. The best way to live the life God wants his children to live is by getting to know him through His written Word. The written Word of God is what enables believers to walk in the world with strength and courage. It’s the weapon of choice that makes the devil flee as he did when tempting Jesus in the desert. The battles of Believers are not with flesh and blood, but with the spirit of the evil one. As satan uses the spirits of those who are weakened by separation from God due to living a sin filled life, it is God’s written Word that every believer should use to see the devil in the details. While spending 40 days being tempted in the desert, Jesus repeatedly used the Word of God to defend himself from satan. We as the children of God have the same access to the same weapon, the living, written Word of God, and we are to use it. This is why, like Joshua, we are to read and meditate on God’s Word in our daily lives. Even a scripture a day makes you stronger than none at all. The example we set as believers is expected to be one that leads back to God’s strength, love, patience, and courage. Amongst many other attributes of holy righteousness. Knowing that God walks with us, we are to walk upright with courage fearing none but our Heavenly Father. We are to stand firm in our convictions, while walking the narrow path that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven. Not turning from the Word to the right or the left as God instructed Joshua, nor are we to turn to the ways of the world. In standing firm, strong, and courageous we are assured that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.
Prayer
Father God in Heaven, I pray for strength and courage wherever you lead me this day. I pray for humility so that I am a lighted example to others of your love, kindness, and understanding, as well as a pilar of strength when others are weak. Through me let others find strength when they are weak. Clarity when their thoughts are distorted. Calm when their waters are troubled. Peace when their emotions are troubled. A pathway where they find you, Father in heaven. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Father God in heaven, I thank you and I love you. Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you and I love you. Holy Spirit, I thank you and I love you. Amen.