Joshua 1

The book of Joshua sets the stage where everything is new. It takes place after Moses' death, the Lord selects Joshua to be the new leader who will take a new generation into a new land. 

We have all had new chapters or seasons in our life when everything stretched out before us as new. Sometimes those new things are good things, a new job or a new romantic relationship. Sometimes those new things are more challenging, the new chapter that no longer includes the presence of a parent or spouse, the new chapter after the loss of a job and the satisfaction it brought. 

As Joshua stood at the beginning of a new chapter with the challenge of leading the people into an unknown land. There were many figurative and literal challenges ahead of them that Joshua would have to overcome. 

The Lord promises that his presence will be with Joshua just as it was with Moses. What an encouragement! The same God that was with Moses will be with Joshua. To think of the special relationship that Moses had with God, and now God was offering to be with Joshua in the same way! 

I imagine there are times for all of us when we are prone to shrink back from the new chapter God is calling us to, but we can take heart because it is the Lord’s presence with us, just as he was with Moses and Joshua that gives us strength and courage (John 14:16-17).

Dear Lord, help me not be afraid of the new thing you’re calling me to. Help me remember that you are always with me. Thank you that I don’t have to be strong on my own. Come Holy Spirit and flow through me. Amen