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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
Don’t be afraid, fear not. Those words are said to be in the Bible 365 times and this is probably one of the most famous verses containing that phrase. Here in Florida we have recently experienced a time where this verse was put to the test. A couple of weeks ago we were looking at the good possibility of facing a Category 5 hurricane with 185 mph winds. To say that we had a legitimate reason to have fear would have been an understatement. To say here in Florida we were lucky that it weakened before making landfall in southwestern Florida is not to mean that God favored us over the Caribbean nations that experienced Irma at full force. What it does mean is that we should be praising God and thanking Him that it did weaken and pray for those in the Caribbean that did face Irma at full force.
In this verse God is commanding Joshua to not fear the task before him as he leads Israel to take the promised land, as God promised to be with them the entire time. Much like as Christians when we face times of trials and tribulations we should not worry or fear, because God is also with us. Now this does not mean we won’t come out unscathed, but regardless of what happens God is the one in charge and because of that our faith should be that we can state God will either deliver us for His glory or we will be with Him in paradise, that nothing happens against God’s plan. So when the storms of life come at us, whether they are actual storms like Irma or some other tribulation, take no fear because God is the one that is in control. So are you experiencing a situation where you are facing fears and anxieties? Put your trust and faith in God that He will see you through whatever it is that you’re facing.
