At 120 years old Moses may have been long in the tooth, but he was not done being used for God’s purposes. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses addresses the Israelites with an encouraging charge, while at the same time welcoming in his successor. Moses commanded his people to be strong and courageous, an attitude and posture that was attainable only because God was with them. In fact, God was not only with them, but He would always be with them, never leaving them nor forsaking them (Deut. 31:6). These words would be repeated as Moses brought forth Joshua as Israel’s next Godly leader (Deut. 31:7). Though it would be repeated throughout Joshua’s life, this principle was not limited to Joshua or even the Israelites for that matter. King David was instructed to be strong and courageous (1 Chronicles 22:13, as was his son Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:20). Be strong and courageous is the encouragement Hezekiah gave his commanders as they prepared to battle Sennacherib, the king of Assyria and his approaching army. Absalom commanded his servants to do the same (2 Samuel 13:28). This was not just an instruction for Old Testament saints, it also serves as a charge for all those who bear the name of Christ. The Apostle Paul urged believers in Ephesus as well as Corinth to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10, 1 Corinthians 16:13)).
What is the significance of this recurring phrase? To best answer this question, it is imperative that we recognize the danger of fear. Fear is the opposite of being strong in the lord. Fear is crippling and causes God’s children to be doubtful and ineffective. Though the source is unknown, I love this quote about fear “Don’t fear your problems when you’re walking with God. Let your problems be afraid of you.” It is my firm belief that the charge to not be fearful, but instead trust and rely on God is due to the natural tendency that accompanies man. Man is a fearful being, nervous of both the known and the unknown. But this is not what God desires of His children. Instead, He commands that we fully trust in Him, even over and above our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Track records alone should serve as confidence for our trusting in the promises of God. God has never failed, never lied, never fallen short or recanted on a promise, while the same could never be said of you and I. When God issues a declarative statement that we needn’t fear, but instead be courageous on account of His faithfulness, this is a promise we can depend on. God is not limited in His promises. Yet, it is quite natural for situations to play heavy on our feelings and emotions.
The world we live in offers its fair share of challenges, heartaches, and difficulties. Sometimes you may feel as though you are up against an immovable wall, with the enemy in hot pursuit after your peace and joy. Troubles are real and fear seems to be the all-too-common response. But dear Christian, the Lord has given you victory over fear, victory that is found in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57). And the beauty is, if we are in Christ, that is we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we share in that victory. We are in Christ and Christ is in us and we are no longer operating on our own accord. It is Christ who works through us (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:13) to accomplish His will and purpose for our lives. We must understand that the charge to be strong and courageous is not a superficial cheer with no backing. On the contrary, this is the command of God that He personally ensures. Know that whatever lies before you, God already knows it and He has already predetermined how you are to approach it. Rather than being seized with fear and anxiety, be courageous and confident in the Lord’s ability to uphold you through it in a way that will bring glory to His Holy name. In the face of great opposition and challenge David offers this beautiful proclamation to the Lord in Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Brothers and sisters just as the Israelites had no need to fear, just as David has no need to fear, so it is for you and I, we have no need to fear. The Lord is with us and has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. I pray you find great confidence and assurance in these truths.
By His Grace And For His Glory,
Pastor Sam
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