Strong and Courageous
. . . As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
I will not leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:5
Joshua, a leader from the tribe of Ephraim, was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to survey the land of Canaan. Moses changed his name from Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” to Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (Numbers 13:8, 16). He had been Moses’ aide since his youth (Exodus 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 11:28; Joshua 1:1). God commended him as one who followed Him wholeheartedly (Num 32:11–12). Joshua and Caleb were the only two who were twenty years old or more when they left Egypt who were permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 32:11–12). Even Moses was not allowed to enter (Deuteronomy 3:23–29).
In Joshua 1, we read of the transition of leadership to Joshua after Moses died. The command to “be strong and courageous” was repeated several times to Joshua and the Israelites to emphasize its importance (v 6–7, 9). Surely, they felt trepidation as they faced an uncertain future, but God reassuringly said, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (v 5).
It is a very natural thing to have fears, but it can be detrimental to our physical and spiritual health to live in a state of constant fear. Just as God encouraged His servants of old, we too can be strong and courageous because of the One who promises to always be with us.
Bible Reading
Joshua 1:1-9.
Prayer
Faithful Father, thank You that You are always with me. Help me to remember Your promises and to trust in You when I am afraid or concerned. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.
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