One of my jobs, being a rock-climbing instructor, includes helping people overcome their fear of heights. I explain to them that the real issue isn’t falling, but hitting the ground. Then I remind my clients that they have the proper safety equipment and good anchor points—making it impossible for them to drop. One thing they need to grasp is that their mind is actually lying to them, and that they can override their panicky thoughts. Being up high is not dangerous in itself; it’s only dangerous without the right safety equipment. Talking this through with them can take a long time, but they usually end up pressing on.
How much simpler it is when God speaks to His people! “This is my command—be strong and courageous!” He said (Joshua 1:9). No discussion and no persuading—just get on with it! This could sound uncaring if it weren’t for the fact that God was talking to a man of faith, His servant Joshua. God was speaking to a man who knew Him! It’s a wonderful time and an enormous privilege when God asks His servants to do something that they find overwhelming—something that’s terrifying to them. For He will ask only those who know Him to step out in faith. He knows that they have the faith to respond in obedience, trusting in His keeping power and in His love that will never allow their foot to stumble!
Joshua had armies to fight with a rabble of a nation, and his great mentor was dead (Joshua 1:1). He surely had reason to fear and to consider not trusting in God. But he did trust! He was “strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7).
What are you afraid of today? Believers in Jesus can overcome fear, not by simply confronting the fear itself but by trusting in the character of the God they know.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 5:17-30
More:
Read Judges 6:11-16 and consider the encouraging words Gideon received from the LORD.
Next:
What do you typically do when fear comes calling? How does the reality of God’s presence encourage you to be strong and courageous?
Gary Shultz on June 29, 2015 at 5:52 am
I’m glad skydiving, tight rope walking, rock climbing, jumping off tall buildings and so forth are not usually something God will ask us to do. He does; however, expect us to go where He leads, and that’s usually on the ground because most humans seem to be there. Yes, there are places, people, and circumstances we would almost feel as reluctant about as hanging over rocks many feet up, but God does give strength as we follow Him. Thanks, I think.
Tom Felten on June 29, 2015 at 9:47 am
Russell, thanks for this helpful, biblical instruction in where to go with our fears. When things beyond our control change, our natural reactions can be to run and hid or lash out in anger. How much better it is to rest in God and His unlimited power and faithful ways. Courage in Him makes for a path that—though hard—can be filled with joy, peace, and hope. May we experience those things today even when fear comes calling!