Discouragement can overwhelm us. In this excerpt from Little Strength, Big God I talk about how Joshua 1:8–9 and meditating on God’s Word defeated my discouragement.
A simple email punched me in the stomach. It looked like my hard work on a project had failed. At bedtime, the stone in my gut had not dissolved. I opened my Bible and sent up an arrow prayer, “Please speak to me.”
I read, “The Israelites had traveled in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to fight in battle when they left Egypt had died. For they had disobeyed the Lord, and the Lord vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us—a land flowing with milk and honey” (Josh. 5:6 NLT).
How, I wondered, does that speak to my issue? Then I recalled my morning meditation from Joshua 1:9 (NLT), “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God had commanded me not to be discouraged! To wallow in disappointment put me in the company of the disobedient Israelites and kept me from experiencing His blessings. I thought about the rest of the verse. God is with me. I smiled. God had given me better things to think about.
Why do we need to meditate on God’s Word day and night? Because we are embroiled in a spiritual battle. The world, the flesh, and the devil bombard us twenty-four hours a day with defeating thoughts. God’s Word is the sword that shreds our enemy and exposes our distorted beliefs (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12).
How Meditating on God’s Word Changes Our Thoughts
It’s easy to chew on regrets, insults, defeats, and worries. But the Lord told Joshua to ruminate on his Word. The Bible refreshes us, makes us wise, and imparts joy and understanding. “In keeping [his commands] there is great reward” (Ps. 19:11 NIV).
Studying the Bible prepares us for life, like going over the plays of a sport prepares us for a game. The better we know God’s words, the more naturally they flow. But to read the Bible and not apply it is like carrying a flashlight we never bother to turn on. We stumble through life like one groping in the dark. The Bible lights our way only when we use it.
The Lord said, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Josh. 1:8 NLT). When we study, meditate, and apply, God’s truth opens our eyes and prospers our souls.
God’s plan for nations requires individual obedience. As a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, our personal choices impact our families, communities, and nation. In Joshua chapter seven, one man’s sin caused Israel’s military defeat and great loss. My obedience matters to all of us. So does yours.
Strength Builder
God told Joshua to meditate on his Word day and night (Josh. 1:8). If the ten rebellious spies had meditated on God’s word to them and what He had already accomplished, they would have entered the Promised Land forty years earlier. This week use Joshua 1:9 to “meditate, muse, and imagine.”[i]
Opportunity
If you’re in the Raleigh area, I’d love to see you on March 25th at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. I’ll be sharing God’s recipe for peace. Learn more and register here.
God commanded me not to be discouraged! To wallow in disappointment kept me from experiencing His blessings. #LittleStrengthBigGod #RenewYourMind Share on XBlessings,
This is an excerpt from Little Strength, Big God (Leafwood Publishers)
[i] Blue Letter Bible, “Lexicon :: Strong’s H1897 – hāḡâ: Outline of Biblical Usage, I. A. iii.,” https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1897/nasb95/wlc/0-1/.Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth, #SweetTea&Friends
So true, Debbie, but not many really believe it. So glad about your speaking engagement and know all will be blessed by what you share!
Thank you, Paula.
“My obedience matters to all of us. So does yours.” Boy does that speak volumes!!!
Yes, no one is an island.
Good stuff here, my friend. Discouragement from one source or another seems to be at epidemic proportions these days. Posted on X.
Thanks for sharing it, Pam. I agree, discouragement is epidemic.
Thank you so much, Debbie, for those well-spoken words about discouragement and the Word of God being an antidote for all that ails us. I’ve recently gone through a short season of feeling unworthy and a bit empty, and, or course, God and His working is the only answer to the need to be reminded that we are worthy in Christ Jesus and He will fill us when we seek Him. God bless you, my sister, and keep up the good work!! Sandra
Sandra, thank you for sharing your story and how God met you. He knows what we need.
Thank you, Debbie!
I’ve recently memorized Psalm 1:1-3 for that very reason. I need His words cultivated in me. Now I’m working on Psalm 139.
Thank you for the extra encouragement to keep going!!
I love both of those Psalms. I need to brush up on my memory and add some more.
Thank you for the reminder to meditate on God’s word, not on the disappointments in my life. That is just the word I needed today.
Isn’t it special when the Lord sends a timely word for us? Thanks, Sarah.
Oh my, I needed this today, Debbie! Thank you!
Thank you, Donna!
Debbie, this right here –> ‘I opened my Bible and sent up an arrow prayer, “Please speak to me.”
A simple, powerful, meaningful prayer. No frills, no song and dance. Right to the point.
Thanks for sharing this, friend. I’m taking it with me.
Wonderful!
Your message is one I needed to hear, Debbie. Discouragement has crept in this week– or rather, has pounced on me this week. Thank you for your message of hope and encouragement. You sent a blessing.
Katherine, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been attacked. I’m thankful God encouraged you! Discouragement is an ugly enemy.
“But the Lord told Joshua to ruminate on his Word.” Ruminate was the word which grabbed my attention. We need to read God’s Word slowly, thinking about the words in front of us, letting them speak to us so that we are fortified. We cannot do a quick read and check off the box for the day. You have offered much wisdom if we are going to ward off discouragement these days.
I agree, Joanne. I need to let it sink in. I usually like to interact with pen and paper.
A needed reminder. We’re too often at the mercy of our runaway thoughts instead of filling them with truth.
Well said. Who’s steering the ship?
Much needed encouragement in your words!
I’m so glad.
Perfect timing Debbie. I needed it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Yvonne.
Great reminder. We all could spend more time in God’s Word.
Thanks, Jeff. I certainly need heaping servings.
Just what I needed to hear today. This is beautiful.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month Sweet friend.
Thanks, Paula. God’s Word has power!