The time had come for Moses to step aside as leader of the Israelites and commission his servant Joshua to be his successor. God had been preparing Joshua for this responsibility for many years yet it was a daunting task to be called to fulfil. Moses encouraged Joshua that God would go before His people and help them conquer the land and destroy the godless nations in Canaan.

In v8 The Lord reminds Joshua who is in CONTROL: ‘It is the Lord who goes before you’.

He gives Joshua words of COMFORT: ‘He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you’.

He also gives Joshua a COMMAND: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed’.

2021 lies ahead of us with opportunities, possibilities, blessings, and no doubt challenges and difficulties. As we enter the new year we too can rely on the promises of God to strengthen our faith, as we follow and serve Him wherever He has placed us.

How good is the God we adore

Our faithful unchangeable Friend!

His love is as great as His power

And knows neither measure nor end!

 

Tis Jesus the First and the Last

Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home

We’ll praise Him for all that is past

And trust Him for all that’s to come

By J Hart