New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Be strong and courageous
After the death of Moses, the Lord God said these words to his successor Joshua: “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let the Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ( Joshua 1:6-9)
Three times in this charge to Joshua as he began his leadership of the Israelites, the Lord God stated and repeated the phrase “be strong and courageous.” God knew that Joshua would be dealing with difficult issues as he led the people. Leaders need to be “strong and courageous” because there will always be difficult and challenging matters to deal with as they endeavor to lead.
Today’s issues include many perplexing matters: namely the war in Ukraine, gun violence and crime here at home, the ongoing COVID pandemic, economic issues from high gas prices and inflation, shortages of baby formula, the immigration crisis at the southern border and political division.
In order to be successful — and success is mentioned twice in these words by God to Joshua — a leader needs to rely upon the wisdom of God’s Word. The Scriptures include commands and directives that have formed tradition for thousands of years — to ignore it by turning to the “right or to the left” will only lead to failure. That’s exactly what is happening in the United States of America today. Politicians are not following the guidance from the Bible (the Book of the Law) that our founders followed when the Country was created. Rather they are seeking to appease opinions from the “right or the left.”
When leaders are dealing with extremely difficult issues, such as ones previously mentioned, there will always be a chorus of people clamoring for their opinions and positions. That’s when the timeless wisdom of God’s Word needs to be followed in order to ensure “success and prosperity.”
Join me in praying for the leaders in our cities, states and country to be “strong and courageous” when dealing with the issues of these troubling times.
The Apostle Paul wrote this: “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for Kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)