Numbers 14:5-9 NIV, “Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
What would be on your list of anxieties this past week? When caught up in a highly emotional trial or situation, it is too easy to be caught up in the emotional moment, lose perspective, and forget about what we know about God’s character. Discouragement and depression may set in. When faced with a seemingly impossible problem, I must admit my emotions sometimes take over, and negative thoughts enslave my nonlogical reasoning. I then compare myself to someone with more extraordinary abilities and want to escape. This happened to the Israelites in their complaining cry of despair once again. They forgot about their Red Sea deliverance, how God fed and protected them, brought them out of slavery, and fulfilled every promise He made to them. They stopped trusting and believing in God as their anxiety over the “descendants of Anak” (Numbers 13:28), who were unusually large and tall, much like Goliath, who may have been one of their descendants. The Israelite’s feeling of inadequacies, in comparison, clouded their vision. But God had promised them victory over their enemies. The people resented adversity in their lives, and at times, I am equally guilty. How about you? The Israelites sinned in clinging to their feelings of unbelief and fear, clouding their judgment and actions. God was small, and their enemies were big in their thinking. But Joshua and Caleb were right, “Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
How are you on being optimistic in face of an impossible situation? Joshua and Caleb, the two younger, optimistic, and faithful spies, told the Israelites to remember what God had done in their lives. “Therefore Joshua and Caleb appealed to the will of the people, asking them to decide to give up their rebellion and return to the Lord. The people of Israel didn’t have to give in to their feelings of fear, of anger to the Lord, of unbelief. By God’s grace they could choose to submit to Him and trust Him.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Commentary.
- Deuteronomy 20:1, “When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” Pray this verse next time you are anxious and tell yourself, “God who brought me out of _____________, will be with me!”
Another truth to take hold of is Proverbs 2:7-8, “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.” Joshua and Caleb walked with integrity in their faith and trust in God. I want to be more like Joshua and Caleb. We must leave a significant impact and stand firm in our faith that God will do great things. Do we give into our fears or place our fear in our mighty God and say, “He will do great things. What a great opportunity! Watch Him!” As you pray and read God’s Word for guidance, in those unavoidable anxiety filled situations, keep your focus on your anchor in Christ. Your faith in God is your shield of protection. Speak words of faith from God’s Word of truth. Then watch for the glory of the Lord to be shown to you. You will leave a significant imprint that will be remembered.
Listen to Matt Maher – In The Room (Official Live video) ft. Ben Fuller, Ellie Holcomb.