“Be strong and courageous” my thoughts whispered multiple times as I forded streams, traversed canyon floors, or climbed to the majestic butte before me. Throughout our stay in Sedona, I was reminded of this admonition that the Lord spoke to Joshua. Joshua was charged with taking the leadership reins to lead the Children of Israel into their Promised Land. It was a big challenge. Not once, but three times, the Lord spoke those words to Joshua. The story is found in the first chapter of the book of Joshua.
As I hiked, I was reminded of a sermon series based on that chapter. The speaker likened the strength and courage mentioned in the first chapter of Joshua (verses 6,7 and 9) to being bound to a sure-footed mule who knows the way forward. That image accurately reflects the Hebrew meaning of the words “strong and courageous” in Joshua 1:6,7,9.
The strength mentioned in these verses is a strength that does not come by summoning from within; it comes from surrendering to someone who knows the path ahead. It comes from trusting who I am bound to. What a vivid picture and great advice for us as we hike the trail of life that lies ahead.
Bind yourself to the ONE who knows YOUR path and will carry you through whatever life brings with it. Life’s path is not always clear, nor is it always easy. It can be full of loss, grief, pain, illness, and so much more. You are not alone when you face these types of devastating circumstances. King David understood what it meant to bind himself to the Lord and gain strength from Him.
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.1 Samuel 30:6 (emphasis mine)
The root word for “strengthened” here is the same root word for “strong” we find in Joshua 1. When David found himself devastated by loss and betrayal, he reacted to the overwhelming situation by reaching for and binding himself to supernatural strength—the strength found in the Lord.
The source of Joshua’s, David’s, and our strength is the Lord. Surrender to God’s Word, will, and ways. Bind yourself to the One who knows your next step. He knows the path ahead and is here to take it with you.
How, you may ask, do I surrender when life is confronting me at every turn? I would suggest that surrender in the midst of life’s challenges and even crises is found in worship and gratitude. With a posture and attitude of worship, we live in the Presence of God. We say, “Not my way, but yours.’ God meets us in those moments to guide and uplift us.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
In worship we find direction and joy. The leader Nehemiah tells us—as he told the people of his day—that we find strength in the Presence and joy of the Lord.
Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah’s advice is pertinent to us today. In light of whatever challenges you face, continue to “Go your way.” In other words, live your life without fear. You are bound to the Lord, the source of your strength. When you worship Him with joy and thanksgiving, you will find the strength and direction you need to take the next step in your life’s path.
Hear the Lord say to you, “Be strong and courageous” as He leads you into your Promised Land.
Worship Him with joy and thanksgiving.
Bind yourself to the One who knows the trail you walk.
Your Lord will meet you to strengthen you as you take whatever steps you face.
That’s good news!