Giving Thanks Courageously

“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 1:9

The holiday season is upon us and with all the fun, all the celebrations, all the great food, also comes stress, family drama, depression, and a whole myriad of other not so pleasant things. I was thinking about that as I stood on my corner, in the rain, with a real pain in my neck and an empty checkbook at home. Then I remembered God’s words to Joshua. “Be strong and courageous, I will be with you wherever you go.” What a great promise!

Joshua, was about to lead the new generation of Israelites across the Jordan River and into the promise land. In preparation for this move God is giving Joshua a pep talk and repeatedly tells him to be strong and courageous. You see the Israelites weren’t marching over a well constructed bridge into an uninhabited land - no they were going to cross a river that was at flood stage and then they were going to have to take the land away from the current inhabitants by force - doesn’t that sound like fun. Joshua’s task was to follow God into the great unknown and get everyone else to follow him as well. When they all got to the other side of the river and got settled into the first camp - they celebrated the Passover. God was with them, He was with them with every step they took, he was with them in every battle they fought - they knew it He was there, that His promise was true and they regularly gave thanks and enjoyed His provision.

Life on this planet it tough, we may not have to cross a flooding river, but we will face trials, battles of a different sort will take place, storms will rage around us and sometimes the holidays magnify the tough stuff of life - but can you hear Him whispering to your heart? “Be strong and courageous, I will be with you wherever you go.” He’ll be there, that is a promise you can count on.

So no matter what you are facing, no matter what the battle is or how furiously the storm is howling around you - remember you are never truly alone - so you can give thanks courageously.

A Prayer
Father - Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Help us to be strong and courageous as we follow you into the great unknown. Grant us hearts the graciously and courageously give you thanks all along the way. In the name of Jesus - Amen.