be strong

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.31.6.NLT

We find the words: be strong and courageous, many times in the bible, especially the Old Testament. In fact this command is given 25 times, 4 times God gives it, here in Deuteronomy and 3 times in Joshua.

In this instance the children of Israel were about to cross into the promised land under Joshua, as Moses was about to die, having attained 120 years of age, and being forbidden because he disobeyed God in how he gave the Children of Israel water, he did it in anger.

Joshua, as the new leader, would need encouragement. He had learned a lot from Moses, especially how to wait in the presence of the Lord. Soon he would have to refuse to submit to fear, this fear would come against him in a new place.

In this new year 2021, fear will come against us in new ventures and we will need to be strong in the Lord and stay focussed on Him. He will lead us through the waters, the fire and tempest. He is still good. Amen!

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