April 17 - Joshua 1:9

April 17
Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?" Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

These were words of refreshing from the Lord to the Israelites when they were instructed to enter into battle as they marched into Canaan after being in the wilderness all of their lives. The great thing about the Word of God is that God's Word is universal and for all generations. So then, can we take that same scripture and apply it to our life today? Absolutely, yes!

While we live on this earth, we live in continuous battles because we live in a sinful world filled with people having a sinful nature. As we draw closer to the end of the end of time, worsening evil is all around us, but God's Word continues to stand strong and true no matter what generation we live in. God is telling us to be strong and of good courage, and do not be afraid or dismayed because our Lord God is always with us, no matter where we are and what kind of situation we may be in.

What kind of battle are you facing today? Is it sickness or disease? Is it financial disparity or relationship failures? Or even, could harrassment from someone or something be overtaking you? You see, it doesn't matter what kind of situation you find yourself in, God is telling you to not be discouraged, but take heart in that God is right there with you telling you to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Don't lose hope, but stand courageous because you are a child of God, heir to the Kingdom of God, and through Christ, you can do all thing because it is He who strengthens you to do or be whatever is necessary at this time.

In the previous verse, God was telling the Israelites, as well as telling you and I today, to keep meditating on God's Word day and night and do what He tells us to do. For when you do, you will prosper. So then, no matter what battle you are facing today, be strong and courageous as you lean and meditate on God's Word, purposing to do what it says - for then you will become properous and have good success. God's ways always works!

Hebrews 13:5b-6 "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"