Promises, promises

Joshua 1:9 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.

What things cause your to fear?

5-year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you." Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"

Mind you it is not only children who have an irrational fear. 

Louis Pasteur is reported to have had such an irrational fear of dirt and infection he refused to shake hands. President and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison were so intimidated by the newfangled electricity installed in the White House they didn't dare touch the switches. If there were no servants around to turn off the lights when the Harrisons went to bed, they slept with them on. 

Joshua was facing significant opposition and pressure yet God’s answer to that situation was that this leader had to simply trust the Word of the Lord and act upon it. And we too are to know the truth of God's Word and to meditate on the promises of God, to trust in the truth of God's Word, and to follow the instructions that have been laid out in Scripture. We are to trust the Lord, believe on His Word, and stand firm in the faith that was once given to the saints so that we too can "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go... and His grace is sufficient."

My Prayer

Loving Father, I praise You that You have shown Yourself faithful to Your people, throughout all generations. Help me to be strong in the Lord, like Joshua. Help me to rely on You in all the problems of life that I may face, knowing that You are with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.