I love how the Bible is a living thing. You can read a verse or chapter several times and learn something new each time you read it. The first chapter of Joshua is a message from God to Joshua as he is about to take over for Moses. While these verses are written primarily to Joshua, we can apply them to our lives and find Hope in our journey.
Joshua 1:7 states Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses, my servant, commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
He knows that the path He has Joshua on will lead him through some tough times, and he may want to stray off that path. However, he tells Joshua to stay true to His word. Just like we must, even when life is hard, we must stay in the Word and follow the path God has laid out in front of us.
How can we stay on God’s path when we feel we can’t take another step forward?
He provides the answers in the following verse. Verse 8 ~
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
When we don’t know what to do or how to make it, we turn to scripture and meditate on His word. Seeking God’s word and direction will help us find our footing and help us move forward.
So what if the path ahead is a challenging journey we are scared to begin?
Joshua was more than likely very nervous about taking over for Moses. That is why God said over and over in this first chapter, “Be Strong and Courageous.” Verse 9 is one of my favorites:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
He promises that He will be with us wherever we go. Every step we take on the road ahead, He is there. Here is the best news yet: He will provide the strength we need to be strong and courageous.
Lord, help us seek the road you would have us travel. Keep our eyes fixed on you, Lord, as we run the race you have set before us. Thank you for being our strength and for your Word that guides us. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.
Following His Lead 