Embracing Strength and Courage Through God's Presence
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Joshua 1:9, a powerful verse that calls us to be strong and courageous, not afraid or dismayed, because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. This verse, though directed at Joshua, holds timeless truths for us today. Joshua faced immense pressure as he stepped into Moses' shoes, leading over a million people into a land filled with adversaries. Yet, God’s command to him was clear: be strong and courageous. This command is not a suggestion but an imperative, a call to live boldly in faith.
We explored how this strength and courage are not about physical might but spiritual resilience. God’s expectation for us to be bold is echoed throughout the Bible, from Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to Jesus’ promise of power to His disciples. Being bold and courageous means actively sharing our faith and standing firm in our convictions, even when faced with fear and uncertainty.
We also discussed the importance of not being afraid or dismayed. Fear and panic can arise from various life challenges—financial struggles, health issues, broken relationships, and more. Yet, God’s promise remains: He is with us. This assurance is not about removing all difficulties but about His presence guiding us through them. Just as Joshua had to trust God’s promise, we too must live by faith, knowing that God provides everything we need.
Finally, we emphasized the necessity of expecting God’s presence in our daily lives. This expectation transforms our approach to challenges, enabling us to face them with confidence and peace. God’s presence is our source of strength, and His promise to be with us is our anchor in times of trouble. As we navigate life’s valleys and peaks, we must remember that God’s hand is always extended, ready to guide us home.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Command to Be Strong and Courageous: God’s call to Joshua to be strong and courageous is a command, not a suggestion. This strength is not about physical might but spiritual resilience, rooted in faith and obedience. We are called to live boldly, sharing our faith and standing firm in our convictions, trusting that God equips us for every challenge. [34:38]
2. Facing Fear and Panic with Faith: Life’s challenges, such as financial struggles, health issues, and broken relationships, can cause fear and panic. However, God’s promise to be with us provides the assurance we need to face these challenges. Trusting in His presence helps us navigate uncertainties with confidence and peace. [41:17]
3. Living Boldly in Faith: Being bold and courageous means actively sharing our faith and standing firm in our convictions, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. This boldness is not about our natural disposition but about relying on God’s strength and guidance. [36:13]
4. The Assurance of God’s Presence: God’s promise to be with us is our anchor in times of trouble. This assurance is not about removing all difficulties but about His presence guiding us through them. Just as Joshua had to trust God’s promise, we too must live by faith, knowing that God provides everything we need. [50:19]
5. Expecting God’s Presence Daily: Expecting God’s presence in our daily lives transforms our approach to challenges, enabling us to face them with confidence and peace. God’s presence is our source of strength, and His promise to be with us is our anchor in times of trouble. As we navigate life’s valleys and peaks, we must remember that God’s hand is always extended, ready to guide us home. [01:00:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:59] - Introduction and Context
[30:41] - Reading Joshua 1:9
[31:31] - Expecting God's Presence
[32:16] - Joshua's Commission
[32:53] - Facing Fear and Pressure
[33:28] - God's Promise to Joshua and Us
[34:05] - Responsibility to Obey
[34:38] - Command to Be Strong and Courageous
[35:10] - Facing Adversaries
[36:13] - Living Boldly in Faith
[37:24] - New Testament Encouragement
[38:05] - Avoiding Indecisiveness
[39:19] - Boldness Through Christ
[41:17] - Understanding Fear and Panic
[43:06] - Paul's Example of Boldness
[44:18] - Common Causes of Panic
[49:23] - Expecting God's Presence
[50:19] - Living by Faith
[51:22] - Source of Strength
[52:00] - Trusting God in Challenges
[53:14] - Relationship with God
[54:26] - Assurance of God's Presence
[56:18] - Story of the Young Boy
[59:26] - Jesus' Promise to Be With Us
[01:00:24] - Psalm 23:4
[01:01:35] - Expecting God's Presence in Life
[01:03:06] - Practical Application
[01:04:11] - Invitation to Follow Christ
[01:05:09] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 1:9 (NKJV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does God give to Joshua in Joshua 1:9, and what are the reasons provided for this command? [30:41]
2. According to the sermon, what kind of strength and courage is God referring to in Joshua 1:9? [34:38]
3. What are some of the life challenges mentioned in the sermon that can cause fear and panic? [41:17]
4. How does the sermon describe the assurance of God's presence in our daily lives? [50:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the command to be strong and courageous described as an imperative rather than a suggestion? How does this impact our understanding of God's expectations for us? [34:38]
2. How does the sermon explain the difference between physical strength and spiritual resilience? Why is this distinction important for living boldly in faith? [36:13]
3. In what ways does the assurance of God's presence help us face fear and panic, according to the sermon? [41:17]
4. How does expecting God's presence daily transform our approach to challenges, as discussed in the sermon? [50:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt fear or panic. How might the assurance of God's presence have changed your response? [41:17]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need to be bold and courageous in sharing our faith. Can you identify a specific opportunity this week where you can actively share your faith? [36:13]
3. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's promise to be with you as you navigate this challenge? [50:19]
4. The sermon mentions that spiritual resilience is rooted in faith and obedience. What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual resilience in your daily life? [34:38]
5. How can you cultivate an expectation of God's presence in your daily routine? Share practical ways you can remind yourself of His presence throughout the day. [31:31]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to be more courageous. What actions can you take to rely on God's strength and guidance in that area? [36:13]
7. The sermon discusses the importance of not being dismayed by life's challenges. How can you support a friend or family member who is currently feeling dismayed? [41:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Resilience in Faith
Description: God’s command to Joshua to be strong and courageous is a directive that transcends time. This strength is not about physical might but spiritual resilience, rooted in faith and obedience. Joshua faced immense pressure as he stepped into Moses' shoes, leading over a million people into a land filled with adversaries. Yet, God’s command to him was clear: be strong and courageous. This command is not a suggestion but an imperative, a call to live boldly in faith.
We are called to live boldly, sharing our faith and standing firm in our convictions, trusting that God equips us for every challenge. This boldness is not about our natural disposition but about relying on God’s strength and guidance. Just as Joshua had to trust God’s promise, we too must live by faith, knowing that God provides everything we need. [34:38]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to stand firm in your faith. How can you rely on God’s strength and guidance to be bold and courageous in that situation today?
Day 2: Overcoming Fear with God’s Presence
Description: Life’s challenges, such as financial struggles, health issues, and broken relationships, can cause fear and panic. However, God’s promise to be with us provides the assurance we need to face these challenges. Trusting in His presence helps us navigate uncertainties with confidence and peace. Fear and panic can arise from various life challenges, but God’s promise remains: He is with us.
This assurance is not about removing all difficulties but about His presence guiding us through them. Just as Joshua had to trust God’s promise, we too must live by faith, knowing that God provides everything we need. When we face fear and panic, we can find solace in the fact that God is with us, guiding us through every trial. [41:17]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a current fear or anxiety in your life. How can you actively trust in God’s presence to guide you through this challenge today?
Day 3: Boldly Sharing Our Faith
Description: Being bold and courageous means actively sharing our faith and standing firm in our convictions, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. This boldness is not about our natural disposition but about relying on God’s strength and guidance. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who lived boldly in faith, from Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to Jesus’ promise of power to His disciples.
Living boldly in faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and share the message of Christ with others. It means standing firm in our beliefs, even when it is unpopular or difficult. By relying on God’s strength, we can overcome our fears and be effective witnesses for His kingdom. [36:13]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Think of one person you can share your faith with this week. How can you rely on God’s strength to boldly share the message of Christ with them?
Day 4: Trusting God’s Provision
Description: God’s promise to be with us is our anchor in times of trouble. This assurance is not about removing all difficulties but about His presence guiding us through them. Just as Joshua had to trust God’s promise, we too must live by faith, knowing that God provides everything we need. Trusting in God’s provision means believing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
When we face challenges, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of God’s promises. However, by focusing on His presence and provision, we can navigate life’s difficulties with confidence and peace. God’s hand is always extended, ready to guide us home. [50:19]
Psalm 34:10 (ESV): "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God’s provision in that situation, and how can you trust Him more fully in future challenges?
Day 5: Expecting God’s Presence Daily
Description: Expecting God’s presence in our daily lives transforms our approach to challenges, enabling us to face them with confidence and peace. God’s presence is our source of strength, and His promise to be with us is our anchor in times of trouble. As we navigate life’s valleys and peaks, we must remember that God’s hand is always extended, ready to guide us home.
Living with the expectation of God’s presence means being aware of His guidance and support in every aspect of our lives. It means seeking His direction in our decisions and trusting that He is with us every step of the way. By cultivating this awareness, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and confidence in our daily walk with Him. [01:00:24]
Psalm 16:8 (ESV): "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God’s presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to seek His guidance and support in your decisions today?
Quotes
1. "I believe we ought to expect the presence of God in our life every day we live. Wherever we go, whatever we do, whatever we go through, we should expect the presence of God." [31:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to understand that there's a lot of pressure that is put on us that God intends to help us make through that pressure. And so as God gave this promise to Joshua and we understand that Joshua received his promises but the word is alive and active today. So not only is it a promise to Joshua, God has a promise for you and me today." [32:53] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Yes, God has given us eternity. Eternal life. Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. But we still have responsibility to obey and to follow Him. And so we see that God expects Joshua and us to be strong and courageous." [34:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must be bold. We must be bold in our faith. We must share our faith every time that God gives us an opportunity being led by the Holy Spirit. He says for us not to be or to be courageous also. That means don't be afraid. That doesn't mean to be mild-mannered. It means to say Lord this is what I'm going to pray today. Lord I know you want me to be bold. You want me to be courageous." [36:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The answer is I expect you to not be afraid nor dismayed. The word for afraid can also be used to describe someone who trembles with fear. When you get in my position, you don't know but my knees are trembling in fear. Not because it's all you hear but because God is here and I have to be afraid. have to rightly divide the word it also means to back up or to be terrified so in addition to living bold and courageous he tells us this a positive thing to do that it's a negative thing to be afraid or dismayed." [41:51] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The key for Joshua was to live by faith. Trusting God's promise that he would be with him. And Joshua had to remember no matter what he faced or who he faced or when he was tempted to be afraid, God would be there providing everything he needed. And I just want to say amen. God does not provide everything we want, but he guarantees he provides everything we need. And he says, I will be with you." [50:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We must know that he will be with us. That's where our strength will come from. That's how we will be bold to share the gospel. That's how we'll teach our children to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. When they look up and daddy says, I don't know what we're going to do, but there's one thing we're going to do. We're going to trust the Lord. We'll have faith and we're going to follow. And I'm going to be strong and courageous because he's with me." [52:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "It's not because you're smart enough to know how to do those things. Those things are great. Don't get me wrong. But it's him. It's our relationship with him. And when I'm hurting, I don't go and say, now I just have to think positive and I just have to do all these good deeds and works. That's not it. I just need to go to him, get on my knees and put my trust in him because he's with me." [53:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "That's his promise here. He's not promising I'll give you peace, I'll give you joy. Boy, those are great things and you may get those. But more than that, more than anything else, Jesus Christ can give you, brothers and sisters, he gives us his hand and he walks with us. He gives him his self, his own presence is with us. And so when these panicky things happen, that's when you need to pray, God, hold my hand. I don't want to go through this by myself. I need your presence." [59:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Be strong and courageous. And don't be afraid. Don't be afraid or dismayed. For your God is with you." [01:05:09] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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