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 1:4-5
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.
God begins with an overview of all the land, telling Joshua that this shall be his vast territory. God promises His protection as He speaks of no man being able to stand against Joshua. This is especially important because of the people Joshua and the Israelites would soon come up against. The Anakites were very large, strong, and powerful people, certain to try to protect their land. Joshua has the Lord’s promise that just as He was with Moses, He will be with Joshua. God addressed all the fears Joshua may have been experiencing: provision, protection, and presence with just a few words – “so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I attended a church as a child where we exchanged this promise every Sunday. The pastor would declare, “the Lord is with you,” and the congregation would respond, “and also with you.” This promise is powerful and has gotten me through many rough spots when I did not know what was coming next. I am thankful for His provisions and protection! How is God reminding you of His presence?
What is one important promise that restores you when you are feeling afraid or overwhelmed? Hold on to that promise! Our God is faithful! The Lord is with you!
