by Pastor Steve Nickodemus

The Lord is With 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 1:9b English Standard Version

Are you afraid of spiders?  There is nothing like a tarantula crawling on your hand to get your arachnophobia kicked in!

Joshua had every reason to be afraid.  His 40 year mentor, Moses, had died and left him in charge of God’s people.  And he was to lead Israel into the promised land, full of enemies of every kind.  And it was at that moment that the Lord spoke to Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous, to not be frightened or dismayed.

Was this just a little divine “pep talk” to make Joshua feel better?  No, for the Lord’s command to not be frightened is coupled with this promise, “…the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua was not to rely on his strength or cunning but he was to rely on the Lord God who had promised to be with him wherever he went.

Are you sometimes afraid?  Do you feel weak and inadequate for the task before you?  Do not be afraid!  For the Lord who sent his only Son into this world to save you is with you in this time and place and wherever you go.

Trust him and trust his Word.  You do not face your fears and enemies and daunting tasks by yourself.  The Lord your God is with you, wherever you go!  Trust him and his Word!  Amen.

“Fear not!  I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you,and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent  hand.”

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado