In
the book of Joshua, four times in the first chapter we hear the call to “be strong and courageous.” On the
surface, you’d expect it since Joshua is preparing to lead the children of
Israel into a series of battles to claim the Promised Land. But far from
“sharpen your swords, start running 5 miles a day, and master that obstacle
course,” this challenge is one for the heart. In the Hebrew root, “be strong” means to “fasten upon, cling, seize, tie fast or hold
fast” hence strength. And “courageous” means to “be alert, steadfast, brave, bold, strong of
heart.”
When
you consider these meanings along with God’s command to obey His Word, not let
His Word depart from your mouth, and to “meditate”
(“growl, rumble, or groan”) on His
Word day and night (Joshua 1:7-9), then you see that success is defined by
clinging to the Word and having a steadfast heart for God, not by might or the
sword.
Can
you hear His voice? God is calling you
to “be strong and courageous.” Are you clinging to and abiding in His
Word? Do you find His Word frequently on
your lips? Are you hiding the Word in
your heart so that it’s growling like hunger pangs in the depths of your
being? Besides a daily time in the Word,
try memorizing and mediating on just one verse of Scripture each month. Start with the one you need the most and God
will honor it and multiply it.
