Be Strong

The book of Joshua kicks off right after the death of Moses with the inauguration of Joshua. The LORD gives Joshua a set of instructions. 

Starting in verse 7 of the first chapter, the LORD tells him:

“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”

We like to quote that “be strong and courageous” part.

Again, one of those “Hobby Lobby wooden plaque” verses. 

But what about the “meditate on the word part”?

It’s actually a theme that runs through out the Bible. To meditate on the Word day and night. 

Psalm 1, a mirror of Joshua 1, says:

 “1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 

2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 

3 The person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers”

Meditating on the word. 

Not reading. Not memorizing. 

Meditating 

What does that mean?

Our modern day definition may make you think of eastern culture and Buddhist monks, but there is so much more to it. 

The dictionary definition of meditate is to think deeply or carefully about something. Another definition is to consider or contemplate. 

It’s one thing to read the Word. It’s another to think about it all day and consider what those words actually mean and how they apply to you. 

I will admit, I struggled with finding an interest in the Word for most of my life. I would go through spurts, and I was really great at memorizing, but I had no habits or schedule to keep me accountable. When I had a choice about how I could spend my time, reading the Bible was very rarely going to even be in the ranking. 

The Bible was boring. It was dated. It didn’t apply to me. 

I just didn’t see a purpose in it. 

Then one day, a friend told me about The Bible Project. 

I was introduced to people fascinated with studying and meditating on the Word of God. 

I began to see purpose in the Bible. I saw reasons behind the scriptures. For the first time, I fell in love with not just Jesus, but His Word, too. 

I realized how little I knew, and my perspectives on EVERYTHING changed. Including my battle with fear. 

Maybe The Bible Project isn’t the right resource for you, but if you struggle with meditating on the word, find yourself SOMETHING. 

Find a bible study. Seek out those with biblical wisdom. Ask the LORD to show you how to study. 

Seek Him. Pursue Him. Chase Him.

 And then the change will come.