Fear Not

Joshua 1:9  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

This was the first verse that I memorized as a new believer.  It was the first time the Lord "spoke" to me through His word.

I was in the hospital six months after the birth of my second baby.  I was suffering severe postpartum depression and sleep deprivation.  One evening in my room I began reading the first chapter of Joshua and this verse grabbed my attention.

I realized I was not supposed to be a victim.  I did not have to be controlled by my emotions.  That is when my healing began.  It was a long road but I carried this verse in my heart through the journey.

It is a command of God to be strong and courageous.  It is not a request or a suggestion, it is a command.  In fact, verse 9 is the third time this command is stated in Chapter 1 of Joshua.

The commands of God are always for our own good.  They are a hedge of protection around our lives.  Jesus gives us the power to obey His commands.  He takes over where we are weak and covers our sins when we stumble.  We do not need to fear this mandate from God, for he has given us the means by which to obey.

Today let's leave our fear and dismay at the foot of the cross and receive God's promise that He will be with us where ever we go.

Thank you Father for your commands which are born of Your love for us and are always for our best.  Thank you for Your promise to always be with us.  Help us today to walk in Your will, to leave fear behind and go boldly forward in Your calling.  Take our burdens of dismay so that we may bring glory to You where ever You send us.

In Jesus name, Amen.