Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…” (Joshua 8:1)

What are you discouraged by today? What are you afraid of? The word “discouraged” appears 15 times in the Bible. In ten of those occurrences it is linked with the word “afraid.” So, it appears that fear in our lives often results in discouragement. I know that happens to me, and I assume it is present in your life as well.  

There are many things that we fear and that lead us to become discouraged. We fear death, health issues, financial problems, relational difficulties, failure, disaster, and being alone. I speak with people almost daily that are struggling with fear and discouragement. Yet when I hear God’s simple command to Joshua, I realize anew that ultimately it is God who is in the position to deal with our fears and discouragement. 

Joshua chapter 8 describes God’s command to Joshua following the nation’s defeat at Ai, which was due to the sin of one man. Of course they were fearful and discouraged; who wouldn’t be? Yet in a few simple words, God tells Joshua, “Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged… for I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai…” Many of us read that and think, “It can’t be that easy, can it?” 

As I consider the sovereignty of God, his purposes in our lives, and his desire that we bring our needs to him for his supply, I see in a fresh way that it truly is that easy. We are never in a stronger place than when we realize that it is God and God alone who can handle our fears and encourage us with his power and presence during our times of discouragement. The Bible tells us that God keeps his promises, and that he will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to remain strong. The Bible tells us that at the time of our fear and discouragement, God will give us the strength to endure, as well as provide us a way out.

Can we learn to trust in a powerful and loving God during fearful and discouraging times, which we will all face? God does his best work when we are at our weakest point. What are your fears today? Release them to a faithful God and get ready to see the demonstration of his power in your life.