Fear shows up in a variety of ways, huh? Insecurity, doubt, stress, even arrogance. Fear is often one of the most demoralizing and debilitating emotions we face. When fear runs into someone, the collision is often paralyzing.
I'm sure Joshua was feeling a lot of fear as he took over as leader of Israel. Moses was dead, and the time had come for him to step up and lead. I'm sure he had a flurry of emotions. Maybe he was anxious with anticipation. Perhaps he was overwhelmed at the responsibilities. He very well could have been excited that his time had finally come. Whatever his thoughts and feelings, one thing is sure: he was afraid.
You ever notice that God doesn't typically speak to something that's already done or happened? He doesn't regularly ask for absence of something good when it's already present. So when God tells Joshua "Strength, Courage" repeatedly, it's worth noting. God's repetition points out the significance of what He is saying. But his repetition also points out that Joshua has some fear issues.
Another thing gets repeated in this reading as well: "I". Remember, God is speaking to Joshua, and nine times he refers to himself. He is reminding Joshua that this is his story. God has a lot more riding on it than Joshua. God continues to remind Joshua that he's going to do the work. Joshua must be faithful, he has to have courage, he needs to remember God's words, but God is the one who is doing the work.
So let this be an encouragement to us. God promises himself-not just to Joshua-to us! Courage is not the absence of fear. It is trusting who is with us despite our greatest fears. May you trust that "God, your God is with you every step you take."
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