"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 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 not I 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 1:7-9.

Here in Joshua chapter one, God has a very special message for His people and especially Israel's new leader, Joshua. This is one of my favorite chapters. It is filled with hope and courage. It points us to our strength and our shield. It reminds us that God is leading and guiding those who will remain faithful to Him. He wishes to bless you as He blessed Joshua.

Moses, God's man chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt had just died and it was time for another man to step up to the plate. Joshua was chosen for many reasons. He was intelligent, courageous, dynamic, experienced, and he loved God. He was faithful and always ready to follow God's commands. In fact, just forty years earlier, he took a stand for God, telling the Israelites that they could go into the promised land and conquer those who lived there. Caleb and Joshua were almost stoned because they believed God's promise. Sadly, this is still true today. Sometimes, God will impress one of His servants to do something great for Him, and others will discourage them from faithfully fulfilling their calling. Before we tell someone what they should or shouldn't do, it would be wise for us to consider our own responsibility. It is true that we should share from our experiences and knowledge. However, we should also remember that with God, all things are possible.

For a while, I almost forgot what it was like to have a living faith in God. Sadly, as a result of my unbelief, I began to struggle with things I thought were gone forever. Satan was given a foothold in my life and things got gradually worse. I didn't even notice that Jesus was no longer walking beside me. It was as if He was standing at the top of the hill looking down at me as I descended into depression and self pity. All He could do was watch me walk away for I was to engrossed in my thoughts of glum and despair to notice Him.

A few months later, somehow God was finally able to get through to me. Amazingly, I began to realize that Jesus was patiently waiting to lift me up the whole time. If only my faith could have grasped the promise God gave to Joshua sooner. How much grief and torment could have been spared. Why do I speak of this event? There are thousands all around that are suffering in silence, haunted by the past, fearful of the present, and uncertain of the future. They are crying out everywhere, but no one seems to care. I have good news for you. There is someone who cares. There is someone who understands. In fact, He is looking over your shoulder right now as you read this page. My friend, Jesus cares so deeply about you. He has loved you with an everlasting love. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you . . . " Jeremiah 1:5.

With a tender voice, filled with compassion and understanding, God proclaims, "I know your pain. I feel your sorrow. Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for" I am "with you wherever you go," Joshua 1:9. When the storms of despair, discouragement, and fear are roaring all around you, take a moment to stop and listen. God is with you wherever you are. Can you hear His still, soft voice?

Before I close, I would just like to make one recommendation. Do you wish to have peace that is unshakeable? Do you want to stop carrying that heavy load of fear, guilt, and pain around? Here is a promise for you, Meditate day and night on God's Word. Memorize encouraging Bible promises, and spend time with Jesus in prayer every day. I promise, if you do this you will have peace even in the midst of the storms of life. Read Joshua 1:7-9 one more time and claim God's promises as yours. God says, " you shall meditate " on the Bible " day and night, that you may observe " the things written there. " Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success, " Joshua 1:7-9.