From Forward Day by Day
Joshua 1:9 I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
My experience has led me to understand that all change comes with some kind of loss.
The Israelites are in the midst of serious change. Moses has died. The familiar leader is gone. They are in a new place in their journey, preparing to cross the Jordan. They are likely fearful of this new leader, Joshua, and his untested ability. Perhaps they are longing for their romantic (and edited) memories of the past instead of looking to the future.
In their fear and anxiety, God reminds them to be strong and courageous. “Do not be frightened or dismayed,” God says. Good advice, even if it’s unlikely to be followed. Because in the midst of change, in the midst of loss, in the midst of the unknown, we are frightened and dismayed. Yet God is with us.
What in your life is changing, causing fear and anxiety? How can you remind yourself God is present with you in this space?
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