“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9
We love verses like this. It is so very comforting in an anxiety-ridden uncertain world like our’s. But when we hear and see verses like this in the context of all this uncertainty and frightening times, well…it sounds hollow.
I like what this verse promises, but I am not sure how it applies to a world that is as scary and uncertain as our world.
If you’re like that you’re not alone. So, let’s think about why the promise of Joshua 1:9 is true and why it is a game changer.
- The truth of this verse is life-changing. When we know that God is with us that there is nothing in the created world that can separate us from the love of God – now that, that is a game changer
- The verse has to be read in context in order to gain an understanding of it
This verse does not promises we can go wherever we want and do whatever we want because God’s got our back. The verse right before tells us the context in which we can stand with confidence and courage:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful” – Joshua 1:8
You see that? When we live and act in accordance to God’s book. That’s the criteria. That’s the context. It is when we live according to God’s will that we can stand firm and be confident and courageous even in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety because God is with us.
So, during this time of staying home in order to stay safe, get into God’s word. I mean, you’ve got the time…right?
P.S. – if you’re going to read God’s word, don’t start in the Old Testament. Start with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Read one chapter a day and write down what jumps out at you
- Write and think about why that particular verse or word made an impression on you
- Finally, write what God is asking you to do based on what God showed you in his word
Praxis: Faith in Action 