Read Joshua 1:1-9 NIV
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 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.”
Key Verses Joshua 1:2-3
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.
God gives Joshua directions: He provides a starting point: “go over this Jordan.” He commands Joshua to go and to take all the people with him. He is not asking Joshua to go alone. The Lord follows His command with a promise. He promises the land. He reassures Joshua that all the promises He made to Moses are now promises He is transferring to Joshua.
Joshua had studied under Moses. He knew the Lord’s promises. The Lord reminded Joshua of the things he knew and was familiar with to bring him the courage he needed to lead His people into the Promised Land. Joshua knew all about the land that God had promised because he was one of the spies who scouted the land and reported back to Moses. Joshua saw a bountiful, fruitful place flowing with milk and honey, but He also saw the people who lived there. The Anakites were very large, strong, and powerful people. Joshua was aware of what was ahead of him and was able to take a step forward in courage because He knew God’s presence was with him.
What has the Lord shown to you that is calling you to take a step forward while calling on Him to lead you through your own fears and apprehensions?
Let’s pray:
Dear God, We are grateful for all the ways You protect and provide for us. We are so thankful for Your presence and that we do not walk through any trials on our own. We are so appreciative of Your promises and the various reminders of how You are always working for the greater good. Thank You for giving us the strength to prevail. Thank You for restoring our faith time and time again when we may have doubts or apprehensions. Thank you for covering us with Your mighty hands and leading us to a better way. Help us to be strong and courageous in our faith as we listen and are obedient to Your commands. Help us to step forward in courage, knowing Your presence goes with us. We trust in Your good and perfect plan! Amen
