Joshua 1:5-9 "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (6) Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. (7) Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. (8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (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."
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee." At the risk of
repetition, I believe it is so very important to stress the faithfulness of
God. He was telling Joshua, "As I blessed Moses to draw the people out of
Egypt, I will also bless you to deliver the people into the land of
promise." As I parted the waters of the Red Sea to bring them out, I will
part the waters of the Jordan River to take them in. You, Joshua, are the
vessel that will be used to lead the people into a glorious freedom that they
have never known. So, be strong and very courageous. Observe the law of God
which Moses commanded thee. Meditate upon the Word of God both day and night.
By doing these things, your way will indeed be prosperous and you will have
good success. This is my commandment, says the Lord, "Be strong and of a
good courage. Do not be afraid nor dismayed. Do not become so frustrated that
you want to go back. Remember the day when you and Caleb stood against the
other 10 spies. As I was with you then, I will be with you now wherever you go."
I remind myself and you that we serve the same God today. His power has not
diminished. His wisdom has not dulled. His love for us is an everlasting love
that shall never change. He has great plans for you and me if we will simply
follow Him. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the
LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
(Jeremiah 29:11) What is His motivation for these thoughts of peace for
us? "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee
with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn
thee." (Jeremiah 31:3) May I conclude these thoughts with these
words. I believe God says to you and me, "As I was with Joshua, so I will
be with you."
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain]