March 24 | Joshua 1

The book of Joshua begins with the death of Moses, and the generation that grumbled against God in the wilderness having died. There is a new leader, another generation, and a land to go and possess. From a human perspective, there is a lot of uncertainty. Will Joshua be as good a leader as Moses? He’s never led the people before. Will the people be able to drive out the inhabitants from the land they want to go and possess? They aren’t trained soldiers, so how will they stack up against these other nations and their armies?

You might find yourself in a place of uncertainty today. What does the future hold for my family? Will I still be working this same job next year? What about my health and the health of my family? Life is full of uncertainties. We try to control our destiny, but in the end, we are left wondering, “What will tomorrow hold?” If we are honest, we can’t answer that question with confidence. 

Amid the uncertainty, God gives great certainty to Joshua and the people of God. 

Joshua 1:5, “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.” 

What a statement by God! In the uncertainty of their lives, God brings certainty. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but God does. He is certain of the future. While God knows the future, He might not tell you what the future holds. Instead, He gives us a grand promise that we can cling to as we gaze into the unknown of tomorrow. He tells the people of Israel and us, “I will be with you.” This promise is enough! Whether we know the future or not, we KNOW our God will be with us!

Therefore, the certainty of God’s presence leads to the command of God. 

Joshua 1:6, “Be strong and courageous.” 

We can step into the unknowns of life with confidence and strength because Almighty God accompanies us! Our loving father, great protector, creator, sustainer, and redeemer is WITH us! What an incredible truth that we should constantly remind ourselves of each day. This promise is so significant that God tells them again just a few verses later. 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We need a reminder to be strong and courageous because, just like the Israelites, we forget that God is always with us. Too often, I walk around frightened by the future and discouraged by the uncertainties of this life. Remind yourself of who is with you! Remind yourself that you might not know what the next day holds, but you know who holds the next day. Don’t be afraid, but trust Jesus, our God, who is always with us.