“Have I not commanded you? 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)
Three big questions pop up for me from God’s instructions to Joshua about leadership:
1) Do I really believe I control my own emotions? God obviously cared a lot about Joshua’s state of mind, not just his actions. He commanded Joshua to be strong, to be courageous, and to reject fear and discouragement. We have the choice what to feel. God gives us the power to choose feelings that help us to do what He asks of us.
2) Do I really believe God is right? If so, I’ll do exactly what He says. When I disobey Him (or don’t take the time to know what He says), that’s evidence I’m not convinced He knows what he’s talking about.
3) Do I really believe God is with me — and for me? If so, I can do any impossible thing He asks. Paul put it this way: “If God is for us, who can be against us? . . . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31, 37)
Think: Do you wrestle with the answers to any of these questions? Which answer do you need the most help to believe?
Pray: Ask God to help you believe Him more and more in each of these three areas, then thank Him for the ability to control your state of mind. Thank Him that He is always right. And thank Him that He is always with and for you.
Do: If you haven’t already, memorize Romans 8:38-39.