An Old Testament Devotion for the Anxious Covenant Child’s Heart
“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.”
In this verse, we see the Israelite General Joshua preparing to take up the responsibility that had been Moses’s for many, many years—leading the people of Israel. Moses had led the people of Israel not only out of Egypt, but in circles through the desert for forty years after their repeated disobedience to God. Over and over again, God had promised to bring His people to Canaan, to the promised land that had belonged to Jacob, and over and over again, the people had rejected God’s promises and authority.
Joshua was not getting an easy job. Leading the Israelites was often like trying to babysit a large room of toddlers with bad tempers and bad attitudes.
But God had chosen Joshua to be Israel’s next leader. He had ordained (which means He planned it) for Joshua to be born to the right tribe at the right time in the right place so Joshua could fulfill this role. But God didn’t simply put Joshua there and then go for a coffee break. No, God encouraged Joshua. He told Joshua not to be afraid or worried—and then He made Joshua a special promise.
He promised that He—the Lord of all creation—be with Joshua wherever he went.
Note that God didn’t simply tell Joshua He would be with Joshua someday in the future. No, He promised Joshua that He was already with him.
The God of the universe—the One who created the heavens and calls the stars by name—was already with Joshua and would continue to be for all Joshua’s days.
“Well,” you might say, “that’s good for Joshua. But I’m not Joshua. I don’t lead Israelites or conduct war. I’m just trying to do my math homework and make friends at Taekwondo practice.”
You’re right. You’re not Joshua, and God has not promised to help you battle against the Amorites.
But God has made other promises to show us that He is definitely with those He loves… always.
Psalm 139 is all about how God creates people as works of art in their mother’s bellies, even before their mothers know they’re there. But He doesn’t leave us there. The Psalm writer continues to describe how from birth, everywhere we go, God is there, too. What good news for us! The God who loves us is always with us!
Where shall I go from your Spirit?Or where shall I flee from your presence?If I ascend to heaven, you are there!If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Jesus echoes this promise in Matthew 28:19-20.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
You and I are not Joshua. But we worship and have been chosen and loved by the very same God who chose and loved Joshua. We can be strong and courageous in this world because we know we’re never alone. We don’t have to be frightened, and we don’t have to be worried or dismayed.
Because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Which means He is with you day and night, beloved child. So do not be frightened, and do not be afraid. Sleep in peace.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to be strong and courageous?
2. God promised Joshua that He would be with Joshua always. Has God made that same promise to us? Read Matthew 28:19-20.
3. How can this verse help you sleep peacefully, even when you’re afraid? Think about how God rules over everything… including the things you’re afraid of.
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