Daily Devotional
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
By the third time God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, He adds something revealing: “Have I not commanded you?” It’s as if God is saying, “Joshua, we’ve been over this. Why are you still afraid?” The repetition shows us that even the greatest leaders struggle with fear.
But God doesn’t shame Joshua for his fear. Instead, He addresses it directly: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed.” The Hebrew words here paint a picture of both sudden terror (frightened) and ongoing dread (dismayed). God knows we face both kinds of fear, the sudden panic when bad news comes and the slow-burning anxiety about the future.
The antidote to both is the same: “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Not just in the synagogue or the prayer closet. Not just when you’re feeling spiritual. Wherever you go. In the board room where you need to speak truth. In the hospital room where you await test results. In the difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding. Wherever you go, He is there.
Fear tells us we’re alone, that we’re not enough, that disaster is certain. But God’s presence rewrites the narrative. You’re not alone – He is with you. You’re not powerless; His Spirit empowers you. You’re not doomed. He has already overcome the world.
Today's Challenge
What specific fear has been paralyzing you? How does God's promise to be with you "wherever you go" speak to that fear? Write down your biggest fear on a piece of paper. Below it, write Joshua 1:9. Throughout the day, when that fear surfaces, recite the verse and thank God for His presence with you in that specific situation.
Prayer
Father, I bring my fears to You today, both the sudden terrors and the ongoing anxieties. Thank You that You don't shame me for being afraid but instead remind me of Your presence. Help me to remember that You are with me wherever I go. When fear rises up, help me to hear Your voice saying, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous." Replace my spirit of fear with Your spirit of power, love, and self-control. In Jesus' name, Amen.
