Fear is our natural state because of sin. Everyone working on behalf of evil will strive to keep you in a state of fear, so that you might be more easily controlled and managed and manipulated. It makes sense for tyrants and schemers to squelch courage, because it is so important in standing against evil and for the truth!
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9
Several dimensions of courage are seen here:
v6 – courage for the sake of others (“lead them into this land”)
v7 – courage to obey the law
v9 – courage to not fear when the opportunities to be afraid come
At the heart of courage is the presence of God. “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (v9)
So when you need courage, go back to the fundamental bedrock truth that God is with you, will never leave you, will never forsake you -- and stand there boldly!
(Adapted from a devotion by Pastor Kent Wagner)
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