City Life Starter

The Word: Joshua 1:5-9 (Amplified)

No man will [be able to] stand before you [to oppose you] as long as you live. Just as I was [present] with Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you find encouragement when life gets you down?
2. Has someone ever encouraged you when you were downtrodden? Reflect on how that encouragement changed your life.
3. How can you encourage others?

By Aisha Darwesh

As we learned on Sunday from Kacee Pate’s power-packed message, to encourage means to “inspire courage.” I love that we get to inspire courage in others with our words, but in today’s devotional, I would like to expand on how we can actively keep ourselves encouraged by applying some principles found in Joshua 1.

In today’s passage, the Lord instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous three times. This took place after the death of Moses, who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. I can only imagine how Joshua felt. Moses was a strong and dynamic leader, whom the Lord used to do mighty miracles among the people. Joshua was Moses’ attendant and was with Moses on the mountain where Moses encountered the glory of God.

Moses must have been like a personal hero for Joshua, someone he looked up to and could always count on. Now that Moses was gone, where did that leave him? The fact that the Lord is instructing Joshua to be strong and courageous implies that Joshua was probably grappling with the opposite–he was terrified and dismayed.

Thankfully, the Lord met Joshua where he was and gave him step-by-step instructions to find strength and courage. To start, the Lord told Joshua He would be with him. God’s Presence is the ultimate encouragement. When Moses died, I’m sure Joshua felt abandoned, and the people were left wondering what would happen next. What an assurance it must have been for Joshua to know that God would never abandon him.

Next, God reminds Joshua of His promise to his forefathers: for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them (Joshua 1:6). God is faithful to keep His promises. If He’s promised something in His Word, you can bank on it. There’s no reason to fear or have a backup plan when you have a promise from God to stand on.

Lastly, the Lord tells Joshua to meditate on and listen to His commands. We are blessed when we obey God. I already know what some of you may be thinking: that’s Old Testament law, aren’t we under New Testament Grace? Yes, we are, but it’s God’s Grace that empowers us to fulfill God’s commands. A strong and courageous heart is willing to obey God even when life is falling apart and nothing seems to make any sense.

Focusing on God’s Presence, promises, and precepts will inspire strength and courage in any situation.

Application:

• God’s Presence. Knowing about God’s omnipresence is great, but let’s make it personal. God is more than just everywhere; He’s with you! Begin to practice His Presence. If you are driving alone in the car, have a conversation with the Holy Spirit. Say “Holy Spirit, what would you like to show me today?” Have a continuous dialogue with the Lord throughout your day. Don’t for a minute think that He’s abandoned you. He never will. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age (Matthew 28:20).

 

• God’s Promises. What are you believing the Lord for? I challenge you to find a promise for it in the Bible. The good news about God’s promises is that He keeps them! For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV).

 

 

• God’s Precepts. Do you ever wonder how you can express your love to God? Simple, obey Him. Dig into the Word and spend time in prayer and community. You’ll find out quickly that the best way to live is in obedience to God’s ways and His commands. If you are in bondage in a certain area, envision that particular sin nailed to the cross. It is finished. You don’t have to live in bondage to that sin any longer. Repent, receive God’s forgiveness, and walk in the victory God has won for you. You are holy and set apart for His purposes. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:10-11).

 

Prayer

Lord Thank You for inspiring courage in me through Your Presence, promises, and precepts. You are so faithful and I don’t want to take that for granted. You’ve always been there for me, You’ve kept all of Your promises, and I want to live according to Your precepts. Lord empower me with Your Grace and Truth. Encourage my heart and strengthen my spirit with Your Spirit in Jesus Name. Amen.