Just as they assigned land to Judah's hero, Caleb, the people now assign land to Ephraim's hero, Joshua (Joshua 14:6-15; 19:49-51). These two men are the only representatives of the previous generation who have remained faithful and who have entered the promised land to enjoy its blessings, as God promised (Numbers 14:30; 26:65; 32:12).

From serving as an assistant to his predecessor Moses in his youth, to his exploration of the promised land, Joshua has shown himself faithful in service, brave in battle, and mighty in faith. By faithfully and carefully obeying the Lord's orders in the Law of Moses as well as the Lord's orders revealed directly to him, Joshua has been able to lead the Israelites in conquering the promised land. In doing so, he has proved that all of God's great promises are trustworthy and true.

Joshua has always had the courage to obey the Lord God because he believes His promises wholeheartedly. That is why, when encouraging the Israelites–who have also seen all of God's promises come true–to take courage, he urges them to: ″Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses . . . hold fast to the Lord your God . . . be very careful to love the Lord your God″ (Joshua 23:6-11).

If we find ourselves filled with fear, it might be because we have forgotten who the Lord God is and what He commands and promises in His Word. Like Joshua, we need to continually draw on our abiding source of courage. Instead of counting on our own physical strength or mental abilities, we need to keep drawing on the presence and promises of the Lord God.

All my worst moments in life–in my marriage, family, work, church, and community–have a common denominator: they took place when I forgot who the Lord God is and what He has commanded and promised in His Word.

My best moments in life also have a common denominator: they came when I made it a priority to write and pray words of thanksgiving to the Lord God for who He is, and to spend time each day in His Word. If you have come this far in Journey Through Joshua, you're doing exactly that. Keep at it!