As I wake up suddenly to the sound of one of my screaming children, my immediate reaction is panic. I glance over at the clock and the monitor, seeing that it is only 2:12 a.m. and noting which of my sons is crying out. My panic swiftly gives way to annoyance. I begrudgingly trudge across the house, as I have the last four nights, in what has become a nightly routine. Usually, he is thirsty, or his blanket has fallen too low. As I go in to comfort my son, I notice that this time, he is trembling. I get close and ask him what is wrong, to which he whispers, “Dark scary.” Feeling guilty about my earlier annoyance, I pray with him, make sure his night light is turned up, and tuck him back into bed.
As we go through life, we are often assailed by the world with things that rightfully strike our hearts with fear—a natural and raw emotion. Yet our God commands us, hundreds of times in His Word, to deny fear and to not be afraid.
Forty years after being turned away from the Promised Land, God Himself commands Joshua to complete the mission that Moses had initially been charged with. Despite the coming storm, he and his people will face, God calls on Joshua to act with courage and to trust that He will deliver the enemy into his hands.
Joshua 1:6-9
New Living Translation
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
After following Moses out of Egypt, the Israelites found themselves at the doorstep of God’s Promised Land. In spite of their release from enslavement, and the miraculous events surrounding their Exodus, it only took the word of ten fearful men, having scouted the Promised Land, turned the hearts of Israel toward fear and away from their God. Only two men, Joshua and Caleb, returned with full confidence in God’s promise, urging the people to have faith. As a result, the nation was turned away from their promised reward.
Because of his faith and courage, forty years later, Joshua is charged by God to lead His nation back into the promised land. It is easy for us to criticize the nation of Israel for their faithlessness and fear—despite God’s miraculous provision for them. However, we can easily find ourselves held back from the full promises of God by our own fears and anxieties, despite the provision and blessing we see in our own lives.
Not being afraid does not mean fear disappears. We take captive our fear and choose courage trusting our Heavenly Father. Not allowing it limit how we experience the fullness of what God has for us.
In what areas of your own life do you find yourself held back or held hostage by fear?What would your life look like if you fully embraced the promises of God and embodied the spirit of “Do Not Be Afraid”?
For further study and reflection, I encourage you to pray over what in your life may be held captive by fear. The life of David, and his writings in Psalm 27, further show us what it means to arrest our fear and live courageously.
SOAP Scripture: Psalm 27:1
S: (scripture)
Read the above passage and underline, highlight, or write down passages that stand out to you. Maybe re-read it a few times if that’s helpful.
O: (observation)
Write down things you observe about the passage. Maybe it’s a word that stood out to you, something the passage made you think about, or a question that you have.
A: (application)
Write down some ways that the passage applies to your life. Make it personal.
P: (prayer)
Take a moment and pray. Ask God to make the passage practical to your everyday life.
