Your Source of Strength – Beloved Women – July 28, 2020
READ: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Seen on items from coffee mugs to tee shirts, epithets like “Strong Woman” and “Fight Like A Girl” have us believing we have to be strong. Some of us even go so far as to say, “I’ve got to be strong for my kids” or “I’ve got to be strong for my dad since my Mom passed.” In today’s verse Joshua receives the command from the Lord to be strong. On three separate occasions in chapter one alone, God urges Joshua to be strong.
This can leave a woman feeling intense pressure to stand strong. In our own might, we can buckle under the weight, but with God, we can stand strong. The three times God told Joshua to be strong are sandwiched between God’s confirmation that He would be with Joshua. In verse five, God says I will not leave nor forsake you; then in verse nine, He says I will be with you wherever you go. Enablement for strength then comes from our realization that God is with us. The word strong used in Joshua chapter one is the Hebrew word chazaq which means to bind or fasten to. By clinging to God, you will be strong in Him and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10).
PRAY: Heavenly Father, there have been times I’ve tried to do things in my own strength and might and that left me weary and depleted. Thank You for assuring me that You are with me and that it is in You that I find my strength. May I fiercely cling to You so that I am empowered to stand strong. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.
REFLECT: In what situations have you felt the need to be strong? Do you rely on the Lord to strengthen you or do you tend to take it all on yourself?
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Tyra Lane-Kingsland at www.inspiredtolivefully.com.
NEED MORE BELOVED: If you like the Beloved Women Daily Devotional you will love the Beloved Women’s Online Conference. This a one-day event is filled with speakers, worship, workshops and more to refresh, refuel, and empower women like us to find rest for our souls, peace for our minds, and hope for the journey. Our mission is to replenish the women who do so much for their families and communities so they can continue to build better futures for themselves and those they love and serve. If you’re ready to energize your relationship with God learn more and register today at https://www.belovedconference.org.
© 2020 by Tyra Lane-Kingsland. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Tuesday, 28 July 2020.