If anyone was going through a season of loss and feeling hopeless, it was Joshua. After decades of surviving in a desert, the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. Then their courageous leader, Moses, died. After he died, Joshua was left by himself to pick up the pieces. He had an entire nation of people to lead. To help Joshua, the Lord gave him two biblical principles. These principles helped Joshua thousands of years ago—they can still help you today.
You Are Stronger Than You Think
Compared to a great leader like Moses, Joshua felt alone and weak. But the Lord spoke to Joshua, giving him courage. We read in Joshua 1:9a, “This is my command—be strong and courageous!” Courage was a commandment—not an option!
But if losses in life have left you feeling hopeless or afraid, you may still have work to do to come to a place of healing and acceptance. Despite these feelings, God still believes in you; He wants you to regain your courage. You are much stronger than you think.
To feel stronger, acknowledge your fears and weaknesses. How? Don’t push them away—sit with them for a while. Spend time and express your feelings and thoughts about all the losses you’ve gone through. You can journal, you can share with a friend or counselor—explore what you are feeling, and then make some declarations of truth.
You Are Never Alone
Joshua was commissioned to go into the Promised Land, but he wouldn’t have to go alone. The Lord assured him that He was right beside him, every step along the way. When He told Joshua to, “Be strong and courageous,” He could have stopped there. But, thankfully, He didn’t. He also promised Joshua, “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9b).
Like Joshua, are you facing an uncertain future and feeling alone? Remember, you’re never alone. Joshua 1:9 assures you that God, the Trinity, is with you wherever you go. The Father provides for you and is Sovereign over all. He is accessible to you at anytime, anywhere. There is nothing you can do that will keep God from you. Consider growing your relationship with the Lord and connecting with God through prayer, Bible reading and study, as well as serving in your local church.
Take heart—have hope! Remember, you are stronger than you think. And you are never alone. Keep these two biblical principles in mind, and you can move from hopeless to hopeful.