I command you…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT

As I read the scripture, I see little room for a believer to be afraid, except the reverent fear of God.

Perplexed, yes… Confused, sometimes… Overwhelmed, often… Angry, perhaps when necessary… Distressed, possibly…

Of course, just the fact that the command is there does not mean we will always follow it. In fact, to the contrary, I have been afraid many times. I fight the worry battle like everyone else. Wasn’t it David, the man after God’s own heart, who said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you”?

Still, the Bible consistently reminds us not to allow fear to captivate our lives. Obviously, when God first gave this command to Joshua, being an all-knowing God, He knew that Joshua was about to encounter some scary days.  The enemies of Joshua had ample opportunity to attempt to make him squirm.

Even today God knows that there will be times in our life that cause fear to be our lead emotion. He sees the trouble before it comes. The One who MADE the disciples get into a boat and face the raging sea often allows the storms to come in our life.

God knows there are things to make us afraid, but the challenge remains and the command remains to not be discouraged and to not be afraid!  Furthermore, I have a feeling the times when our fear is greatest are instances where we need to rely on His perfect strength even more.

Call on the Lord today and ask Him to help you overcome your fears!

Related posts:

1. Message of Encouragement for Your Fear and Worry
2. Sometimes I Want To Appear Insane (Battling Fear)
3. Getting Rid of Fear In Life
4. Fear Not This Christmas! Good News!
5. Encouragement to Take That Leap of Faith