The Promise of God’s Presence
“… Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
2020 has been a year that has challenged us all. No matter who you are or where you live around the world, no one has escaped the threat of this global pandemic we’re all experiencing. For many, the coronavirus has brought terrifying fear and bitter discouragement taking the lives of over one million people worldwide. Some reports have suggested the actual number of people who will die from COVID-19 could exceed 3 million by January. With that, there is also an untold global economic impact that may take generations to recover from. Little wonder so many people today live in fear and worry. Yet, in the midst of a global panic there is hope! The late Billy Graham said it well, “Everywhere I go I find that people – both leaders and individuals – are asking one basic question; “Is there any hope for the future? Is there any hope for peace and justice in our generation?” The answer is YES! Hope does not rest in the affairs of this world. It rests in Christ who is coming again as the King of kings.”
This is the confidence God wanted Joshua to have despite the circumstances he was facing. He was given the seemingly impossible task of accomplishing what even Moses could not do – lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land! It was a land occupied by many hostile nations. There were giants in the land, fortified cities with walls and warriors greater than Israel. All the fears that kept the previous generation of Israelites from entering the land still existed. How could Joshua ever do it? How could he possibly be successful?
Maybe you’ve wondered that too. As we continue to face the challenges of living in a global pandemic, where do we find hope? What will give us confidence to face tomorrow without fear and worry? I believe the answer is in what God told Joshua in this promise today. It’s as valid a promise for us as it was for him! I believe it is the key to growing stronger spiritually.
If you want to grow a stronger and deeper faith despite the circumstances that threaten you, you will need to begin with strong and courageous thinking. The first hurdle to overcome is perspective. We must change our focus from what we can’t do to what God can do. This means taking our eyes off our problems and seeing them as opportunities for God to show Himself strong through His power! Strong and courageous thinking like that will lead to strong and courageous living. What we think affects what we believe and what we believe will lead to how we respond. As our thoughts shift from our problems to God’s power, we become more convinced that we can act in faith believing God’s promises. To pull this off you will need to develop three habits that will grow your faith strong enabling you to succeed where others fail.
1. A Daily Quiet Time – Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day with God alone in prayer and Bible reading. Let His Spirit quiet your heart and fill your mind with truth. God’s word is faith food - nutrition for your soul. These promises that we are covering each day will become like seeds of faith to strengthen your life.
2. Consistent Giving – God doesn’t need your money; but He wants what it represents, your heart. Jesus said where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Be consistent in giving a tithe or 10% of your income to your local church. Do it out of your love for God and your dependence on Him. Resist the temptation to let fear cause you to cling tightly to the resources God has blessed you with. Demonstrate your dependence on God by giving.
3. Weekly Fellowship in Church - God designed us to live and grow in a community of faith. We are called a “royal priesthood” in the Bible. The Christian life is not just about believing but belonging. So find a church home where you best meet God and commit to a weekly time of fellowship with other believers. Join a life group and experience doing life with other Christ followers. You’ll gain strength and encouragement from fellowship with like minded believers.
Habits form character over time. Growing spiritually is like looking at yourself in the mirror. It’s imperceptible at first but over time with consistent habits you will grow stronger and deeper in your faith! These habits will help you learn to practice the presence of God and gain victory over the fears that terrify and discourage others. So take heart, you are not alone! The Lord your God is with you! Commit this promise to your heart and mind. It’s God’s promise to you! Begin by memorizing it and meditate on it daily.
“… Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)