December 26, 2023

We are pressing closer to the new year, which is only a few days away. This time of year, I begin praying for God to give me a word to ponder for the following year. I spent this entire year with the word “persevere.” Unsure what God had intended, I was fretful of the trouble I may endure because of that specific word. However, God is so good and means no harm in his impressions. I was challenged to persevere in my writing and go in a slightly different direction by commenting chapter by chapter on the books of the Bible of my study. It has been the most eye-opening experience of my entire life, and if I had not persevered through it, I may have abandoned it and preceded to return to my old way of writing. Thankfully, I heard God loud and clear and persevered. 

God told Joshua that Moses died, and Israel mourned his death for a month. But it was time for them to prepare to go into the land of promise. This first chapter of Joshua is replete with words of encouragement. God told Joshua to take courage, be strong, not be afraid, and not be dismayed because he was with them wherever they went. Joshua is the image of perseverance. As we venture into the next chapter of our lives, we may face challenges, especially in this upcoming new year. We would do well to heed God’s words to Joshua and accept them as our own. Take courage; God is with us wherever we go. 

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9