In last week's column, I began exploring with you the concept of courage. My Biblical reference then, as it is today, is Joshua 1:2-9. Joshua was a young man who had to muster up courage to do what God was leading him to do.
If you remember, I mentioned last week certain times when you would need to have an extra portion of courage. First, when you have prayed but nothing seems to be happening. Second, when you are facing a certain danger. Third, when you have no idea how a situation is going to work out. Fourth, when you are faced with illness or death. In each of those scenarios, you are going to have to decide if you are going to be filled with faith or fear. Faith is of God. Fear is of the devil.
Today I want to give you some guidance as to how you, like Joshua, can become strong and courageous.
You have to begin by focusing on God's Word. Joshua 1:8 reads, "Keep the Book of the Law always on your lips; 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." That sounds simple. Read your Bible.
No. Meditate on your Bible.
That doesn't mean pick up the Great Book, skim across a couple of verses, check that off your "to do" list, and go about your day. To meditate, you need to block everything else out and spend some quiet time thinking about what is written. It means you ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from that passage. It also means that you can ask God how the scripture ties into what you are facing. It is perfectly fine to ask God questions. By doing so, you are showing God that you do not have the answers but you have full faith and confidence that God does.
After meditating on God's Word, you need to take action. Two duties every Christian has is to do what the Bible says to do and do not do what the Bible says not to do. Simple enough.
Let me put this into context by using parenting as an example. How do you feel when your child does exactly as you instruct him or her to do? You probably feel proud, thankful that you have raised such an obedient child, and joyful that your child obeyed. How do you feel when your child fails to do what you told him to do or does just the opposite of what you told her not to do? You are likely angry, disappointed, and frustrated. You still love him and you will likely forgive him, but you certainly are not in the best mood with him.
We are God's children. I wonder if He feels the same way about us? God instructs us continually throughout His Word not to worry. I believe there are some 365 Biblical references telling us not to fret or worry. That is one for each day of the year. Many of you are reading this column and are worried about something.
I'm going to give you Biblical instruction. Stop it! If you are walking the floors over an issue in your life, all you are going to get is a worn- out carpet. If you insist on dwelling on your circumstance, then make an investment in the problem. Pray while you pace! Worry is a waste while prayer is an investment. Worry doesn't change anything. Prayer can!
I'm going to wrap up this "Joshua Series" next week. In the meantime, I want you to do something. As I have been writing about courage and worry, I have been looking out of my office window. I see birds flying around. They land on a branch and either hop or fly over to another branch. I also see squirrels running up one tree and jumping from limb to limb.
Go outside where you live. Observe the gifts of nature that God has given us. Find a bird and ask him what he is worried about. He won't dignify your question with an answer. He will likely just fly off to his next adventure without even looking back. It is my prayer that you can unleash the bird in your soul
