THE SECURITY OF ORDERS

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this

people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the

land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that

thou mayest observe to do according to all the

law, which Moses my servant commanded thee:

turn not from it to the right hand or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;

but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that

thou mayest observe to do according to all that is

written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way

prosperous and then thou shalt have good success

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a

good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou

dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:6-9

We've all heard statements through the years regarding authority:

“You're not the boss of me.”

“I don't have to do what you say.”

“Rules are made to be broken.”

“My life is my business.”

“Not all rules apply to me.”

If we look at the news reports today, it's obvious that the climate in our country right now is about as bad as it's been when it comes to respect for authority. I so admire the leadership in our country that is trying to do what's right, but are met with some of the most disturbing behavior that could ever come from supposedly educated, grown up adults. From God's Word though, we see where there has been a need from day one of man's creation for there to be rules, for without them, man is on a path to destruction and thus goes the nation.

I think I have the above verses underlined in about every Bible I own. Forgive my sharing this group of verses, but they are interlocked in such a precious way. I didn't feel I could separate the four of them. Prior to the death of Moses, he had laid hands on Joshua to be the new leader of the children of Israel. Scripture tells us that Joshua was a man of wisdom, a man Moses trusted to carry on with the leadership of the people. It wasn't going to be an easy job for Joshua. Moses and Joshua were two different types of individuals. Joshua was the one who was more military experienced. However, this was going to be a different “army” he was called to lead. God could read him and gave Joshua the above verses to encourage him.

Although Joshua could have considered God giving him an impossible task, he was still encouraged by the words God gave him. In every promise was the promise of God's presence. I like in verse 9 that God said, “Have not I commanded thee?” and then gave Joshua a listed of things to be. God didn't suggest that Joshua be strong, courageous, or fearless, but assured Joshua of His presence with him wherever he went. God never gives us commands without the strength and power of His presence with us to follow His instructions.

What might you be facing today that looks like an impossibility? As God spoke to Joshua, He speaks the same strength into our lives. He never gives us commands without pouring His strength into us to accomplish His will. We need God's strength for every task.

Am I a seeker...a seeker after God for His strength and wisdom in the “every-days” of life? I need God desperately in my life. He's not trying to boss me around. He always wants what is best for me in the purpose He he has laid out for my life. He is my security and strength and I praise Him for all He is doing in my life. He has the same desires for you as well.

Father, You are my strength, shelter, power, support, wisdom and so much more and I praise You for all of these things and more. Thank You for working in my life. Forgive when I don't heed Your direction and for not recognizing You in my life as often as I should. I love You. In Jesus precious name...Amen.