When was the last time someone told you not to be afraid (or when was the last time you told yourself that)? What’s interesting about fear is that it forms an inverse function with knowledge. The less we know, the more we might fear. Perhaps it was a lack of knowledge that also tempted the Israelites to fear as they stood on the precipice of entering Jericho. They knew this was coming after 40 years of wilderness wanderings, but they didn’t know what the result would be. And maybe this is why Moses countered their fears with knowledge by saying that God would be the One going with them; in fact, it would be He who would be going before them. This is why Moses implored them to be strong and courageous; they could stand courageously because God was with them, fighting on their behalf.

The courage and fearlessness the Israelites were called to display is the same we as Christians are called to live out today. Sure, we live in uncertain times, and we are, without a doubt, finite people who don’t know what the future holds. However, we do know the One who does know, and because of that, we can stand strong and courageously.

• What situation are you facing that you need God to help you cast aside fear?