How to develop strength and courage

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Deuteronomy 34:1 - Joshua 2:24
Luke 13:22-14:6
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 12:26

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Joshua 1:6-9 
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 
8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 
9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The verses for today are familiar to many Christians. They are the words that God gave to Joshua as he took the reigns of leadership. Moses had recently died and so God was encouraging Joshua to be "strong and courageous." (In fact, variations of that phrase are used 3 times in these 3 verses.)

Throughout life, we will feel the need to be "strong and courageous." We need exactly what Joshua was encouraged to have.

When we look at these verses, we realize that this wasn't simply a superficial pep talk that God was giving Joshua. He gave Joshua 3 substantive reasons that would develop strength and courage in his spirit.

In verse 6, strength and courage would come is resting in God's promise. God had made a promise to the Israelites that they would inherit the Promised Land and God wasn't going to break that promise. Resting in God's promise, Joshua could be strong and courageous.

In verses 7-8, strength and courage would come in obeying God's precepts. God's Word contained commands for living - things to do and things to avoid. As Joshua obeyed God's instructions, he would experience God's favor in doing what God had told him to do - claim the Promise Land. So, as Joshua obeyed God's precepts and experienced God's favor, he could be strong and courageous.

In verse 9, strength and courage would come as Joshua comforted himself in God's presence. God wasn't sending Joshua out to do the task all by himself. God was going with them. So, as Joshua rested in the assurance of God's presence, he could be strong and courageous.

Friend, each of these three substantive reasons for Joshua's strength and courage are transferable. You and I can experience strength and courage in our life as we rest in them.

God's promise - What passage of Scripture can you rest your faith upon as you go through a difficult time?

God's precepts - What areas of your life need repentance and adjustments to come into conformity to God's commands? 

God's presence - What reminders can you provide for yourself that God is with you?

Friend, God doesn't want His children living life defeated like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. He wants us to be strong and courageous. And He has provided the means by which we can be strong and courageous. Will you make the adjustments necessary to be filled with the strength and courage you need for each day?