God’s people don’t know what they’ll find on the other side of the Jordan River. When we come to the end of ourselves, God is just getting started. However physically strong this female body builder may be, eventually she’ll have to lower those weights to the floor. He can command us to be, as the Hebrew says, “stout, strong, bold, alert” because he is all those things and more. He is the muscle, the tendons, the sinew. God calls us to be “determined and confident!” (GNT), to be “strong and brave! (NET), to “have strength of heart!” (NLV) “Strength! Courage!” (MSG) We could look at them separately, but the truth is, they’re meant to go together. So, what is this message God wants to make sure Joshua hears-and we hear-loud and clear? God has made this request of Joshua twice before, in verses 6 and 7, which is why this phrase is sometimes translated, “remember” (ERV) or “I repeat” (NET). He has every right to say, “that is what I ask of thee” (KNOX). Yes, God is our comforter, but he is also our Commander in Chief. If our strength comes from his strength-and it does-then this reminder of his authority is the right place to begin. “Haven’t I ordered you” (CJB), the Lord asks.
No doubt who’s in charge, right? Joshua may be leading the people, but God is leading Joshua. The words God used to empower his servant, Joshua, are meant to strengthen our hearts today. Now that Moses has died, God tells Joshua to lead his people across the Jordan River into Israel. Joshua 1:9 is a quotable quote from God, who speaks these words to Joshua, Moses’ right-hand man. The realization that God is with me, and will never leave me, brings great comfort.” Yes, it does. Tanya was one of many who chose this verse: “It is like he knows how I am feeling and letting me know he is right there with me, giving me strength and courage, calming my fears and giving me encouragement.” Yes, he is.Īnother sister, Gay, admitted “I have a tendency to fear. Do not be afraid do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Rather, you are strong and brave for one reason: God is with you. That’s the essence of this week’s favorite verse: not, you can be strong and brave if you try. The spaghetti is easily held upright, secure in his grip. “Get up!” “You can do it!” “I believe in you!”īut let a Master Chef step into the picture, and everything changes. Go ahead, shout out all the affirming words you can think of. When I feel weak, uncertain, vulnerable, the last thing I want is someone telling me, “Be strong!” That’s like saying to spaghetti, “Stand up!”Įven fresh out of the box, those dry, slender strands can’t perch on end. Categories: Blog, The 20 Verses You Love Most
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