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"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."
(Joshua 1:9)
In Joshua 1:8, Joshua and the people were to meditate on God's Word day and night; they were to focus on the Book of the Law, the words given by God to Moses. To meditate means to linger longer and pour over what you have read. Too often we speed-read the Bible and then wonder why we cannot remember what we read in our quiet time that morning.
Being still and listening is a spiritual discipline I am working on. It is a powerful and rewarding spiritual exercise to read and then contemplate what you just read. I try to begin my quiet times asking for God to speak to me. I have been working on talking less and listening more. Or as Aaron Burr told Alexander Hamilton, "Talk less, smile more."
I love it when the Bible repeats itself. God does this not because He forgets what He just said; rather, the Bible repeats itself for the reader. I don't know about you but the best way I learn is through repetition. Notice in Joshua 1:6, 7, and 9 God tells Joshua basically the same thing each time: "Be strong and courageous." Why? Could it be that Joshua was a bit frightened? I know I would be if given the task by God to take 2 million of His people to their new home!
Here is a recipe for spiritual success every time: cherish the Word of God, meditate on God's Word, remember it, then observe or obey what you have read. Then you will be both prosperous and successful.
One commentary on this biblical text states: "Joshua probably had times when he felt weak, inadequate, and frightened. Perhaps he considered resigning before the Conquest even began. But God knew all about his feelings of personal weakness and fear and told Joshua three times, Be strong and courageous (vv. 6–7, 9; cf. v. 18). God also urged him not to be afraid or discouraged (cf. Deut. 1:21; 31:8; Josh. 8:1). These charges with their accompanying assurances (God's promise, God's power, and God's presence) were sufficient to last a lifetime. Believers in all ages can be uplifted by the same three assurances." (Source: Campbell, D. K. (1985). Joshua. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 329).)
God's promise, power, and presence: these three realities are what every follower of Jesus longs for. And the great news is, they can be ours.
You may not be tasked by God to lead a nation, business, or a church, but you know God has things that only you can do. No one else is given the responsibility or assignment that you have been given. You are unique, and God has things He wants you to do. God desires you to be faithful and give your best.
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