Do Not Be Afraid

Joshua 10:8
The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."

// THOUGHTS:

At this time, the Israelites have already gotten to their promised land. It was a journey just getting to the promised land to begin with. Now that they are in the promised land, the battles didn't cease. In fact, more and more battles came as they continue to take possession of the land. Yet, despite all these battles that they faced, the Lord was with them. The Lord continued to encourage (and more so, commanded) Joshua to "not be afraid..." Several times, God has assured Joshua to not be afraid to fight and "not one of them will be able to withstand..."

In line with the previous topics on our own "promised land", we know that the battles will also never cease. Yes, if we continue to be obedient, trusting, and faithfully carrying out God's commands in our lives, we will eventually get to where we are supposed to go in God's perfect time. However, when we get there, we know that the battles will also not end. The battles that we faced getting to the "promised land" will not necessarily cease once we get there. However, just as God was with Joshua, He also will be with us. He is reminding us to "not be afraid..." to fight the battles in life with full confidence knowing that in Christ, we are fully armored (that we also must consciously choose to wear and put on daily.)

Psalm 91:5 always gives us a wonderful comfort "You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day" as one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). When we get to our "promised land" do not cease to be prepared for more battles. But one thing we are sure of, God has already won them for us. He's just testing how much we trust Him for what He promised.

// BELLE:

.. I do not need to be afraid of anything when I get there.
.. The terror of night and arrows by day will not harm me if I continue to dwell in Christ's protective care - His shelter.
.. I haven't even gotten there yet, but this is a great heads up of what's coming ahead.
.. I must not give up when I face the battles daily as I continue to enter into it for I know the Lord is with me.

// LORD, I know your word is true. You will not forsake me and you will not change your mind. I pray that you will help me to continually trust in You; in all the things that you have already promised and said. I know You are true to your Word. Please help me to be faithful to You. IN Jesus' name, amen.