Do you struggle with fear? What about fear’s minions: WORRY, ANXIETY, DREAD, PHOBIAS, and certain kinds of STRESS? Familiar with those? What can be done about fear? Is fear up to you, or do you have no choice in the matter? Moses commanded the people:
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified” Deuteronomy 31:6. Then Moses told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous… do not be afraid or discouraged” vv.7-8. Later, the Lord told Joshua the same thing: “Be strong and courageous” v.23.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this text tells me that YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE. If God commands you to be strong and courageous, then he must know you can CHOOSE to be strong and courageous.
If fear was an emotion over which we had no control, God would not command us to avoid fear.
First Cor. 10:13 says God gives no commands that we are unable to obey. So if he says “be strong and courageous,” then he knows we have the ability to obey—to actually BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.
In the very next book, Joshua commands the people:
“Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with you, wherever you go!” Joshua 1:9.
We do have a choice. When we struggle with FEAR or its minions—DOUBT, WORRY, ANXIETY, DREAD, STRESS, and PHOBIAS—God instructs us to CHOOSE to be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, and to choose NOT to be afraid.
God, remind us when we are fearful that WE HAVE A CHOICE. Help us choose to be strong and filled with courage! Help us focus on YOU, the object of our worship; and help us NOT to focus on the object of our fears.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 