“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”
As I pondered where to meditate today having finished the Romans yesterday, my heart traveled to one of the favorite verses that I remember my husband loved, Joshua 1:9. The people of Israel have finished their forty years in the desert, Moses has died and Joshua is stepping into leadership. It is a time of transition and Joshua is facing a big challenge to step into Moses’ shoes and lead the people across the Jordon. It is a bit coincidental that often the river Jordon is thought to be a symbol of death. It is a bit coincidental that my husband has just passed and I am stepping into a solo leadership position. Of course I have my children who are fantastic and adults but still it is a transition. As I have said before we all face transitions of many kinds, not just death, and so this verse can speak to us today. Perhaps you are just stepping into a new day and do not know what will confront you or perhaps you are facing moping up the mess of yesterday but in any case God commands Joshua, “be strong,” “be courageous,” “do not be afraid” and “do not be discouraged.” The reason for hope and strength to face greif or whatever you face today is that God is with us “wherever” we go. My heart goes to the modern rendition in Sister Act 1 of the song that reminds us nothing can keep us away from the love of God.
I don’t know what you face today but as you step into your future may you hold on to the promise that God is with you wherever you go. Lord, help me keep my eyes of you!
On the Way to Wonder 