Courage for the Unknown Way
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Context Behind the Verse
We often find ourselves standing where Joshua stood on the precipice of a new territory, looking out over a landscape we did not choose and do not fully understand. The old, familiar ways are gone; the wilderness years, though difficult, were at least known. Now, a “new beginning” looms, perhaps born of a sudden crisis or an unwanted change, and our natural inclination is timid. We survey the giants in the land and the walled cities of uncertainty, and our hearts grow faint.
Yet, observe here that the Almighty does not whisper a gentle suggestion of bravery to His servant; He issues a divine command: “Be strong and of good courage.” How can trembling flesh and blood obey such a mandate when the future is opaque? We must find the foundation of this courage. It is not rooted in our own capacity, our intellect, or our resources. It is anchored entirely in the final clause: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
A new beginning, however daunting, is never a venture into solitude. It is a walk in joint company with the Omnipotent. If He is there, fear is a sorrowful indulgence. We may step out into the unknown, not because we know the way, but solely because we know the Guide.
Prayer for the Day
Lord God Almighty, my soul confesses its frequent timidity when facing untrodden paths. I am prone to look at the obstacles in the land rather than the Guide at my side. Grant Your servant the grace to obey Your command to be of good courage, resting not in my feeble strength, but in the supreme assurance of Your abiding presence. Lead me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and I shall follow. Amen.
Inspirational Quote
“We must not fear the changes of life, for God is the pilot of our soul, and He will steer us safely through every storm.” — John Calvin