Encouragement

Encouragement

My Question for God

How does God’s gift of encouragement renew my life?

A Moment with God

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

Joshua 1:1-5

Joshua’s strength and resolve may have weakened over the daunting task of leading all the Israelites into a land of giants. So God prepared him—and the rest of the people—with specific words of encouragement. At times you may long for someone to come beside you to lift you up and strengthen you. How much better if that someone were God himself! The word courage is embedded in the word encouragement. Encouragement gives you the courage to go on, to renew your commitment and resolve. It inspires you with hope that your task is not in vain—that you can make a difference. God’s encouragement is a beautiful spiritual gift that gives you a renewed desire and commitment to obey him. Like Joshua, you find courage not by looking within or by looking at your circumstances, but by looking up to the sovereign God.

Divine Promise

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9