“Be strong and of good courage… do not cower.
Do not heed your fears. Take the land I have given you to possess.”
Joshua 1:6, 7
Joshua is one of my favorite books of the Bible. The third chapter in particular grips me every time. So thankful Christine shared about the Lord using Joshua to encourage her to worship Him during battles of all kinds.
Genuinely praising God amidst the crazy and chaotic takes strength.
That’s the word this week, pulled from Joshua 1: Be Strong.
4 Facts:
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“Be Strong” is a Verb
I’m referring to the word strengthen because in this verse, in context, “be strong” means “grow strong” or, simply “strengthen.” It’s an action word.
Strength is not something we just possess. To be strong is to exert power. It’s to use what you have been given with might.
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Strengthening is Multi-Faceted
Sometimes being strong means grasping something tightly. That might involve seizing hold of it…or it may mean clinging with force to what is already in your grip.
When you exert strength, it takes effort and sustenance. You must firm up your muscles- even your Spiritual muscles.
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Strength Derives from Something Given
“Adopt” and “apply” are some of the first words listed in the definition of strengthen. The potential of the power and might have been given. The Lord’s promises have been made and His call has been issued.
To be strong is to apply what has been given. Flex the faith-muscle God has been growing.
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Being Strong Means Relying on the Lord
Another aspect of “be strong” is “be encouraged,” or, “fasten.” What is it that the Israelites were called to be strong in? What is it we’re to fasten ourselves to, take hold of, and grip with all our strength?
God’s promises. Be strong in taking hold of God’s promises.
Securely and resolutely take hold of the one who is growing you.
That’s what it is to be strong: to flex our God-given muscles in the battles we face.
We take hold and flex in praise, in faithful following, and, as the verses that follow state, in obedience.
Will you stretch and flex from the soul with me today?
This post is being shared on: #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #Intentionally Pursuing, #WomenWithIntention, #TellHiStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup and #LifeGivingLinkup.
Just the word I needed to read… this has been my prayer! Thank you!
So glad for His timing, Michelle! Praying with you : )
I have not spent much time reading Joshua, so this was a helpful insight!
Fabulous… being strong in Him today!!!
My husband and I just finished reading Joshua together — I’m always inspired by his joy and confidence — and by all the reminders he got directly FROM GOD that he should be courageous and trust!
So cool that you dive into His Word together!! I love Joshua as well- Joshua 3 is one of my favorite passages!!
To strengthen is also to ‘fasten’ and ‘encourage.’ I hadn’t heard those terms paralleled with strengthen. It is so true though and puts a perspective that strength develops with encouragement and fastening to the Truth. So true!
I love Joshua too, Bethany. Josh 1:9 is one of my go-to verses. I love your descriptions of strength, and exercising it in our lives.
And this? “To be strong is to apply what has been given.” Yes and Amen! Beautiful post!
Thanks, Jeanne!! Amen!
Ooooh, I’m flexing my muscle today! Thank you for the reminder Bethany. Sometimes we forget how much strength we have in us that comes from the Lord. Wonderful!
“That’s what it is to be strong: to flex our God-given muscles in the battles we face.” Such an encouraging post reminding us to use what God has given us and to stand for Him Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup!