HE IS WITH US!

Transferring leadership from Moses to Joshua left a palpable hole of fear in Joshua's heart. Joshua faced an almost impossible burden: leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land filled with enemies and fortified cities. In his human weakness, the Lord did not blame him. Instead, He came near and said, "Be strong and courageous ... for the Lord your God is with you" (v. 9). The Lord understood Joshua's fear, not judged him. Three times God said the same thing to Joshua (v. 6-7, 9) to help him overcome the fears in his life.

The promise of God's presence for Joshua finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. If for Joshua God's presence was like a promise held from afar, for us, that presence is Jesus Himself who dwells in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. He comes to "be with us always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). This is the foundation of our true courage. In short, Joshua held on to a promise, but we cling to the Giver of that promise Himself.

So, in the midst of all fears today, look to Christ because He is the source of our strength. His death and resurrection have brought down the walls of our greatest fears, namely death and sin. If He is with us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)? Today, walk in life and face every fear not by relying on your own strength, but by believing in Christ who has conquered and now accompanies us forever! --DSK/www.renunganharian.net