When the Lord Is with You

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1.9 ( AMPC )

In Number 13, 12 spies from the Israelite camp scouted God’s promised land for forty days. On their return, 10 spies spread an evil report among the congregation about the giants and the fortified cities, disregarding the abundance and blessing in the land. However, 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb, believed they could possess the land as the Lord promised them because God would be with them.  In Numbers 14. 8-9, Joshua and Caleb urged the Israelite congregation, stating, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into the land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.”

When you have faith in God and obey His commandments, the Lord will be with you to sustain you.  Although the Israelite congregation was “not able to enter [into His rest (the promised land)], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [(their) unbelief had shut them out],” Joshua and Caleb were accepted by God and received the inheritance of the promised land because they possessed a different spirit, a spirit of faith, and followed God fully (Hebrews 3.19, Numbers 14.24, Hebrews 4.2).

Years later, in Joshua 1.5-9, the Lord addressed Joshua as the leader to take the next generation of Israelites into the promised land, stating, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

You must be courageous, firm in faith, steadfast in doing what is right, obedient to the Lord’s commandments, and wholly submitted to God’s will to experience His presence in your life. Don’t let fear, terror, or the condition of your natural circumstances dictate your beliefs and actions – it will only lead to rebellion and disobedience against the Lord. When you trust God and have faith in His Word, He will be with you. Isaiah 41.10 states, “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.”

When the Lord is with you, you have the assurance that you can prevail no matter what obstacle or trial you face. There is divine protection, favor, provision, and victory when the Lord is with you. There is success in doing what the Lord has called you to do when He is with you. There is encouragement, confidence, and supernatural strength when the Lord is with you. God will not fail you. God will not abandon you. Fear not, for the Lord is with you.