8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:8-9
Last week, I challenged your priorities. This week is all about your source. If you have grown up in church, you have probably heard and read verse 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” But rarely, do we read and think about the importance of verse 8.
Anyone can puff out their chest and look within themselves to find courage, but those feelings of bravery can flee at the first sight of trouble. This passage calls us to find our source of strength and courage in God and that He is with us wherever we go. But here’s the problem: many of us don’t see why that’s such a big deal. Why does it matter that God is with me in every situation? This is where the “Book of the Law” comes in, or for us today, the Bible.
When you spend time reading the Bible you begin to understand how great, gracious and good God is. The Bible is a gift that provides truth and wisdom to help you to know God and equips you to recognize His presence and grace all around you. Far too often, we neglect the words of Scripture and the presence of God is drowned out by the other voices we’d prefer to listen to. Yet, if you read God’s word and witness the evidence of His faithfulness all throughout history, you quickly catch what a blessing it is to have Him by your side. His presence empowers you to walk through whatever you face with strength and courage.
Now listen closely: reading the Bible, praying, and other acts of obedience to God do not guarantee victory on the field. However, when our life is centered around God and we are following Jesus, there are certainly blessings along the path. We are able to live with strength and courage throughout all facets of life. How often do we need strength and courage during the highs and lows of a season? My encouragement for you is rather than placing your source of strength and courage solely within yourself, place it in the truth of God’s presence with you. And if you’re struggling to sense His presence, spend some time reading the Bible.
- Reflect: Where have you seen the evidence of God in your life?
- Pray that God would fill you with a desire to read the Bible.
- Ask God to be your source of strength and courage.
Pre-Game Playlist: