Motivated by the presence of God
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, “Remember what Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you: ‘The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’ Joshua 1:9-13 NLT
No doubt, Joshua is motivated by obedience to God. The reason why he is persuaded to follow God whatever He is asking Him to do is because God promised that He will be with him. “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is the same God that promised that He will fulfill His covenant with the Israelites. Joshua fully relied in the assurance that God will not renege on His promises. As soon as Joshua got his marching orders from God, He immediately called the officers of Israel and told them to prepare their army as they proceed to take the Promised Land. Then, he addressed the people and told them to have the provisions ready. This preparation for the provisions signaled the anticipation that they will be able to live in the Promised Land and these provisions will help them get sustained as they settle themselves in their new home. When there is God’s presence there will be strength. Though Joshua do not know how fierce the resistance that the Canaanites will put up against the Israelites, but what he is sure of was that God promised He will be with them. Such promise is enough for Joshua to proceed unlike the previous generation. God’s sufficiency is enough for Joshua to be obedient to God’s command. When we are confronted with what seemed to be insurmountable task, what should reverberate is God’s promise that He will be with us. It is the presence of God that will help us to have a break through the barriers of uncertainties and discouragements. When we know that God is with us, let us take advantage of offering our worship and draw from the resources He alone can provide. He is with us in the battles, in times of testing, in moments of defeat and failures, and in daily tasks that are mundane and routine. What a Savior, a Friend, and a Companion we have! The Lord is with me!
Blessings,
