Protect Yourself!
Protect your mind, your heart, your soul.
Joshua, when made to be the leader of Israel in succession to Moses, was told by the Lord,
“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
Joshua was given this commandment 3 times by the Lord, once by the people of Israel, and he even repeated it to others multiple times.
Joshua needed to be reminded of the protection he had from the Lord, and in that he was able to teach and remind others!
The Bible says there was not a man who came before or who will come after who was like unto Moses. The Bible says that David sought after the Lord’s own heart. While both of these men were strong and courageous leaders, they failed in their own ways. They fell when they went their own ways.
What does God command? He says that the LORD is with you wherever you go. Trusting in that, going not in your own way but going where the Lord would have you to be, and having Him beside you, is what ultimately protects you and keeps you from falling.
I understand, there are difficult situations we so often face, there are temptations hiding like viperous snakes. How do we turn so easily from these? It is not easy to tear ourselves from the patterns of this world, from ways we have walked in far too long. It’s not easy to cling to the Lord when life’s troubles become so overwhelming we feel as if we are going to crumble under the weight thereof.
It’s not easy to lead others when you are struggling to be led yourself.
What has God commanded us?
To be strong. To have courage. To not fear. To not be dismayed. To watch as God is with us always!
Being strong isn’t seeking strength from within, it’s surrendering your weaknesses, giving them to God, and watching as He helps you!
Having courage is not pushing down your emotions to appear brave and capable to the world, it’s realizing that this world is difficult for everyone, so remain humble and have courage in the power of the Lord!
Fear not your circumstances, because the Lord has power over anything that could occur in your life!
Don’t be dismayed, don’t let what happens cause you to spiral in distress; and when you do not know how to lead or where to go, patiently wait for the direction of the Lord to faithfully guide you as He always has!
When you give your life to Jesus, when you surrender to Him as Lord, He will create in you a clean heart, a sound mind, a calm spirit and continue to protect you as you rest in Him.
Jesus is near unto those who are near unto Him. Seek the Lord, be strong, and watch as He helps you!
