Good morning,

Our devotion for today comes from Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goest." 

Wherever you are today (Selah), meditate on this; most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves in need of a pep talk.  Perhaps we have been on a losing sports team or maybe we have felt downtrodden and needed a friend to perk us up.  Whatever the situation, it is helpful to have a "coach" to comfort us in our concern, inspire us to action, and lead us to victory.

Can you imagine how desperate Joshua must have been for a pep talk in today's passage?  There he was, still reeling from the death of his friend and mentor Moses, yet the mantle of leadership had fallen on his shoulders and he was faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Rather than leaving Joshua to his own devices, God provided the necessary instruction.  He told him to get up and get moving, and that He would clear the path.  God inspired Joshua to greatness because He instilled in him a vision of the goal:  the full length and breadth of the land of promise.  Beyond that, the Lord showed sensitivity to Joshua's concerns.  "Be strong and courageous,"  He declared.  "Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).  God is still giving you this same pep talk today.  If you are downcast by troubling circumstances, take comfort in His promise, for He is with you "wherever you go."
    

Have a blessed courageous day!

Your brother in Christ,

J. H. Flakes, III