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Introduction

The book of Joshua provides profound insights into overcoming fear of the future. As Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, he faced numerous uncertainties and challenges. Through his journey, Jehovah provided guidance, assurance, and victory. This narrative teaches modern Christians how to confront and overcome their fears, relying on the same divine principles and promises that sustained Joshua.

Jehovah’s Command to Joshua

At the outset of Joshua’s leadership, Jehovah gave him a direct command, underscoring the importance of courage and faith. In Joshua 1:6-9, Jehovah instructed:

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jehovah’s command emphasizes reliance on His Word and the necessity of courage. Joshua was reminded that success and prosperity come from adherence to divine law and constant meditation on it. Christians today can draw from this principle, understanding that courage is anchored in obedience to God’s Word and the assurance of His presence.

Divine Assurance of Jehovah’s Presence

One of the most potent sources of overcoming fear is the assurance of Jehovah’s presence. In Joshua 1:5, Jehovah promises Joshua:

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”

This promise of divine companionship is reiterated in Hebrews 13:5-6, where Christians are encouraged with similar words:

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”

Jehovah’s unwavering presence assures believers that they are not alone in their struggles and uncertainties. This assurance allows Christians to face the future without fear, knowing that Jehovah’s guidance and support are ever-present.

The Role of Faith in Overcoming Fear

Faith played a critical role in Joshua’s conquests. One notable example is the fall of Jericho. In Joshua 6:2-5, Jehovah gave Joshua unconventional instructions for conquering the fortified city:

“And Jehovah said to Joshua, ‘See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.'”

Joshua’s obedience to these instructions, despite their seeming impracticality, demonstrates profound faith. Hebrews 11:30 reflects on this event:

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

Christians facing uncertain futures can learn from Joshua’s example that faith in Jehovah’s promises and obedience to His commands, even when they defy human logic, are crucial for overcoming fear.

The Importance of Remembrance

Joshua’s journey underscores the importance of remembering past victories as a means to bolster faith and courage for future challenges. In Joshua 4:20-24, after crossing the Jordan River, Joshua set up twelve stones as a memorial:

“And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, ‘When your children ask their fathers in times to come, “What do these stones mean?” then you shall let your children know, “Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.” For Jehovah your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as Jehovah your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of Jehovah is mighty, that you may fear Jehovah your God forever.'”

This act of remembrance served to remind the Israelites of Jehovah’s past faithfulness and power. Similarly, Christians can confront fears of the future by recalling how Jehovah has provided, protected, and guided them in the past.

Trust in Jehovah’s Sovereignty

Joshua’s success also hinged on his trust in Jehovah’s sovereignty. In Joshua 10:8, as Joshua prepared to confront a coalition of Amorite kings, Jehovah reassured him:

“And Jehovah said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.'”

This trust was crucial during the battle when Jehovah intervened by casting down large hailstones on the enemies and causing the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:11-13). Joshua’s reliance on Jehovah’s sovereignty exemplifies the believer’s need to trust in God’s control over all circumstances. Proverbs 3:5-6 reinforces this trust:

“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Christians facing the uncertainties of the future must remember that Jehovah is sovereign and His plans are always for their ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Courage and Leadership

Joshua’s leadership required immense courage. In Joshua 24:15, he made a decisive declaration to the Israelites:

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve Jehovah, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.”

This declaration not only affirmed Joshua’s commitment but also challenged the Israelites to make a firm decision. Christians today can draw from Joshua’s example, recognizing that courage in leadership involves making firm, faith-based decisions and standing by them.

Conclusion

Joshua’s journey from fear to faith, from uncertainty to divine victory, provides a powerful template for Christians confronting their own fears of the future. Through unwavering faith in Jehovah’s promises, adherence to His commands, remembrance of His past faithfulness, trust in His sovereignty, and courageous leadership, believers can face the future with confidence, assured of Jehovah’s presence and guidance.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).