NO FEAR, NO DISCOURAGEMENT

 JANUARY 2, 2023

Joshua 1:9

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


This command and promise to Joshua is also for us as we embrace the upcoming year. We have no idea what lies ahead, we only know this promise, that God will go with us as we seek to follow hos purposes. So this verse is not just a promise to cherish, "I will go with you." Notice it is also a command! Think about that for a moment. God commands us, "Be strong, and courageous, and do not be terrified or discouraged." I believe that the message for us today is to embrace 2023 as an opportunity to serve God, the God who promises to be with us, and not as something to fear!

LET'S PRAY

God, thank you for being with me as I begin this new year. Help me by your Spirit to greet it with passion and excitement for the opportunities ahead. Forgive me when my own inadequacies and the unknown ahead of me make me fearful and indecisive. Give me courage to live boldly for you this year. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.