Joshua is a great book of military victories for God’s people the Israelites, representing the many military conquests and victories as victories of God for His people. Most of these victories came against overwhelming physical odds but because God was on their side, these physical odds did not matter.
Listen to God’s spokesman Joshua as he instructs God’s people over and over.
- Only be strong and very courageous . . . that you may prosper wherever you go (1.7).
- Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (1.9).
- Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed . . . See I have given it unto your hand (8.1)
- Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into you hand; not a man of them shall stand before you (10.8).
- Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight. (10.25)
- Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel (11.6).
We can still today win great victories through God today. To do this we must as the Israelites of old had to do, let the Lord take the battle. Let Him put us under His wings of protection. Listen to the Psalmist.
- Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me (Ps 17.8).
- How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings (36.7)
- Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by (57.1).
- I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings (61.4)
- Because You have been my help, Therefore, in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice (63.7)
- He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler (91.4).
Whether the fight is physical, spiritual, or mental, be strong, be of good courage and let the wings of God protect you. Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt 11.28).