Today’s Spiritual Theme: “I am Not Alone”

Scripture Focus – Psalm 139:7 KJV –
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or Whither shall I flee from thy presence?

King James Version

Supporting Scripture – Joshua 1:9 KJV –
“Have I not commanded thee? Be thou strong and of a good courage; be no afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

King James Version

Devotional Reflection

Sis, well, yesterday we walked through this same scripture. but I wanted to revisit something that was in my spirit. God says, “Have I not commanded thee?” Yea, let’s talk about that part, right there. It is a piece of the verse that we overlook because we want to get to the good parts. But let’s talk about how this was not the first time that God told Joshua to “…Be strong and of good courage.” How often does God give us specific instructions and we ignore the instructions or we roll right past the instructions. Either we are too focused on the giant, or the situation. We turn away from one that has our back in this thing. If God promised it, He will surely see you through it all. Sis, this is where we want to be today – is there something that God gave you instructions on and you have not done what you were commanded to do.

so, just for background, remember that Moses has died and Joshua is about to take on an enormous responsibility. Joshua was responsible for leading Israel across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. Joshua was now stepping into the leadership role that Moses once occupied. I am sure that Joshua was remembering at this point who the Children of Israel were and the struggles that they endured on their journey as they exited Egypt’s captivity. And I am sure that Joshua thought about Israel’s own struggles with themselves and the problems that they cause within the camp.

So in verse 6 of Joshua 1, God tells Joshua to “Be strong and courageous because you will lead the people into the land God promised.” There it is right there the initial command for Joshua to be strong and courageous along with the assignment that he was to carry out. God wanted Joshua to be strong as he take on the assignment of leading God’s people. If God provides the assignment, then He will definitely give you the strength to make it through the assignment and not only that carry out every bit of it. Not only did God tell him in verse 6 but He came back around in verse 7 and told Joshua to “Be strong and courageous in obeying God’s law.” Because God knew that Joshua would need to have courage to remain faithful to Him. Scripture tells us that God knows our thoughts and maybe Joshua was thinking about the task that was ahead of him and thinking too much about the responsibility.

I don’t know about you but I do that sometimes. God has told me to carry out something and what am I doing, sitting and thinking myself crazy. So God comes back around in verse 9 and tells Joshua -“Have I not commanded you…” God had already given clear instruction that Joshua was to remain strong and courageous. Don’t question what God has told you as you can move forward on the simple fact that God’s presence give you strength and courage. Now, don’t get me wrong the Bible does not say that Joshua was questioning God or refusing to carry out the assignment but God was getting Joshua ready for what was to come.

It is the repetition of God that gave Joshua reassurance that he could move forward on the assignment because God is with him. Nothing else mattered at that point.

Journal Prompt

In your journal today, take time to write down the assignment that God has given to you to carry out. Now write your progress, are you at the beginning, middle, end of the assignment. What is keeping you from moving forward? Now write verse 6, 7 & 9.

Now write how you will move forward on the assignment.

Today’s Challenge

Stand in front of the mirror and quote Joshua 1:9 – with each time increase the volume of your voice.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, you have all power and only you can defeat the giants of life. Lord, I ask that you strengthen my heart that I might stand against the evil thoughts of fear, doubt, and dismay. Please give me the courage to stand and be strong as I face today’s giants. I ask Lord that you stand as I stand as you did for the 3 Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace. Don’t allow me to be consumed in the fires of life that present on today. Cover me oh God! In Jesus name, Amen!

Sis, Remember This…

Don’t question what God has told you as you can move forward on the simple fact that God’s presence give you strength and courage.