Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Chapter 31 of Deuteronomy is titled, “Joshua Becomes Israel’s Leader”. Moses was now 120 years old. He had been leading Israel out of Egypt and around the wilderness for 40 years. Because he disobeyed God on something, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Joshua was one the 2 spies back years ago that had confidence they could take the people in the land. God chose him to be their next leader.

In verse 6, Moses tells him to be strong and courageous but adds, “do not panic”. He also says then how God will NEVER leave or abandon him. Joshua was about to lead over a million people into battle THEN divide up the land among the tribes. I can see how one could panic and or have anxiety. Panic attacks are a real thing and I believe they are anxiety related. Once your mind gets on a particular issue and it doesn’t leave, panic can set in.

Thankfully, we will never have such a huge task on our hands, but we can get overwhelmed at things that feel large for us. The main thing that was spoken to Joshua so many times was to be strong and courageous. But he was never challenged to do it on his own! No one said, “Alright, step up man, you’ve got to get this done.” NO! He was constantly reminded that God was with him. We can be strong and courageous BECAUSE God is with us. Period.

Sometimes we allow the enemy’s voice and our own voice to be louder than God’s. That is when we need His Word and we need to apply it to our lives. We use it combat lies. We fight off anxiety and win!!