When We Are Scared

 

     Joshua took the place of Moses as the Israelites finally made their way into the promised land after 40 years in the wilderness. Those wilderness experiences in our own lives can leave us feeling lost, confused and filled with fear and anxiety as we face the future.

     Taking a step into the unknown future can fill us with uneasiness and trepidation. There are obstacles in the way and we can’t see our way around, over or through them. And we stop and ask, “Why, Lord?” or “When, Lord?” or “How, Lord?”  The key word in all of those questions is, “Lord.” Keep Him involved in your questioning. Allow Him into your deepest fears. Ask Him to help.

     Before the Jordan River dried up and the Israelites were able to cross into the long-awaited promised land, God asked that the priests take a step into the river. Maybe we need to take a small step of faith, scary as it is.

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, “When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” Joshua 3:8

    And we just might find the courage to take another small step and another, one at a time, as God opens the path before us. And when we stand in faith in the deep waters, God will provide the perfect plan to get us through.  Believe it! The path may change. The water may be deep. The outcome may still be unknown. But we choose to move. And Jesus? There He is within us, offering His comfort and His peace as He surrounds us with protection and with heavenly power. And our Father in heaven speaks to us just as He did to Joshua all of those years ago.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord our God,

You are with us wherever we go. Take away our fear and discouragement as we make the difficult decisions in life. Guide our thoughts to dwell and focus on You through it all as we take another step of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen