HOW TO OVERCOME OUR FEARS

JOSHUA 1:9 (NASB) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

The Scripture is reminding us to face our fears squarely. We often face fears in our every day lives including the fear of death. And how are we going to face them? The text tells us plainly that we must be strong. We must be courageous. We must not tremble. The Word of God tells us that we must not be dismayed because of the fact that God is with us.

The word “strong” means; “to prevail, to harden, to be firm or be resolute”. In this text, God is reminding Joshua to be strong because great power is actually lodged in his hand. He has great responsibility ahead with the passing of Moses, but he has equal power to fulfill all these responsibilities. Therefore he must be strong. Since the task ahead is great; yet, he could accomplish it if he will reject fears in his heart. The same God who spoke to Moses in the past is present in Joshua also. Hence, he need not have to fear.

We find our selves in the same situation like Joshua. We are in a very difficult situation. We probably could sense the danger ahead. We could feel the agitation or anxiety from within. We are then alarmed. We begin to panic. Then, we are horrified. We are now frightened. Our facial expression and full countenance have completely changed. But God is assuring us that all is well. He is there wherever we go. He tells us to be strong. He tells us to be courageous. He tells us to overcome our fears.