June 22 - Be Strong and Courageous

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Context: Moses knows he is near death, and the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river, preparing to cross soon into the promised land. He calls together all the Israelites and he reminds them of the covenant and commandments God has given them. This portion of the text is well into his speech.

Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The phrase 'be strong and courageous' shows up in the Bible eleven times...all in the Old Testament. Six of these times the statement is directed toward Joshua -- five times by God himself.

As the newly named leader of the entire Israelite population, Joshua was doubting his abilities and was second guessing himself. He didn't know for sure what was facing them on the other side of the river, and based on their history he wasn't sure he could keep the Israelites in line. But God had put him in this place and God was capable of ensuring success.

Many of us struggle with fear as we face massive new situations. A new job, a move to a new community, or any opportunity to step into the unknown can cause fear and insecurity.

If you are comforting someone in this situation, these verses can be really helpful. If God is calling them to something new, he promises to be right there along side. Help the person remember his or her strengths and capabilities that will transfer to the new situation, and remind him/her to be strong and courageous. Pray for that strength and courage, and continue to be there as the journey unfolds.