Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:9 NIV 

Strong and courageous are two words I would not normally use to describe myself. As a little girl, I was afraid of many things. My mind would wander immediately to “what ifs” of a certain situation, and then fear would creep in. 

When I became a Christian and started digging in God’s Word, I began to realize that Satan was holding me in a trap of lies. He had me believe that being afraid over a situation kept me inside the lines and therefore it would keep me safe. Having strength and courage was given to only certain people—but never to me. 

What lies!! 

The truth is told all throughout scripture. God tells us 365 times in His Word, not to be afraid. A reminder for every day of the year! 

We do not have to be afraid because God will be with us wherever we go. 

God told Joshua not to look to outside sources for his strength but to His Word. He says in Joshua 1:7-8, “Do not turn from it to the right or the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 

Franklin Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” That something else . . . is God! 

Courage can be found when you put your faith in God more than in your fear. 

Thank You Father for Your promise to always be with us and therefore we do not have to be afraid. 

Charity O