1 March | EVERYONE

GOD ASKS JOSHUA TO BE COURAGEOUS AND KEEP HIS LAW

«This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.» Joshua 1:8, 9

Joshua could hear the inner cry of his heart. He stood in front of Jericho and realized the risks they were running in that land where milk and honey flowed. As he gazed at the infinite blue of the sky, he suddenly heard the voice of God challenging him: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” and “be strong and courageous.”

The “Book of the Law” did not refer only to the Ten Commandments. It included them, but it also recorded all the counsels and recommendations of the Pentateuch. The Jews called it the Torah. The divine command to Joshua, before entering the promised land, was: “You shall meditate, and observe, and do according to all that is written in the book of the law” (cf. Joshua 1:8).

However, just following God’s advice was not enough. It was also necessary to “be strong and courageous”. Divine action in great conquests does not neglect human participation. Before turning the water into wine, Jesus said to those who were there, “Fill the vessels with water.” Before resurrecting Lazarus, the Master commanded, “Take away the stone.” Before making the paralytic walk, he challenged him: “Get up, take up your bed and walk.” And to Joshua, before he entered Jericho, he commanded, “Be strong and courageous.”

God was not saying to bring out his “inner energy” or exercising “mental strength.” The reason for being strong and courageous was: “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

It does not matter what challenge life throws at you today. Do not be dismayed, do not be afraid. Push yourself and be brave! Rest assured; you are not alone. God is with you wherever you go!

Take Action

Write down the main challenges you face. For each of them, write down two or three practical actions you can take to address them. Do your part with the certainty that God will give you victory. Sing “Faithful to the Book of the Law” and “Be Strong and of Good Courage!” (if possible, with your family).