Joshua 1:9. 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.”
As much as the new year comes with celebration, signifying a new season and new opportunities, it can also be a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
Joshua had just entered into a new season as the new leader of the children of Israel. Moses was the great man of God, this was the man that God had used to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt after 430 years of bondage. This is the man who had the rod that performed miracles, the signs, and wonders that he performed in Egypt had never been seen before. Moses was the man who went up the mountain and talked to God face to face. He is the same man who came down the mountain with the tablets of the 10 commandments, and his face shone with the glory of God that he had to put a veil on it. This great man was unable to complete the task of getting the children of Israel into the land of promise, and now Joshua was supposed to take up his role.
Talk about feeling inadequate, talk about being in well over your head, Joshua must have felt that way, no wonder God tells him 3 times to be bold and courageous and not to be afraid.
Are you afraid as you gaze into the new year? Are you uncertain about what lies ahead? Maybe you know what’s ahead, but you are not qualified or well-equipped to face it. When you look at things from face value, it seems like you have failed even before you hit the start button.
Well, Joshua fulfilled what God called him to do, and the secret is found in;
Joshua 1:8
8 Keep 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.
How do you overcome fear? By replacing it with faith. Where does faith come from? Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Joshua soaked himself in the word, he spoke it, he meditated on it, and he did what it said and that guaranteed his success, no matter how big an obstacle he faced.
In 2024, purpose that you too will make the word your companion, that you will read it, meditate on it, speak it and do as it says.
Reflections
What are you afraid of when you gaze at 2024.
What is your plan in 2024 to grow in faith?
Joshua faced enemies that he overcame. You will face enemies in 2024, what’s your battle plan?
