Maintaining spiritual confidence is the act of resting in the fact that God’s presence is constantly with us. When Israel’s leadership was in transition from Moses to Joshua, there were many overwhelming obstacles Joshua had to face. God encouraged the spiritual confidence of Joshua with the promise of His continual presence.
God told Joshua, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (vs.5)
The assurance of the presence of God was the assurance of Joshua’s success and victory. There were fortified cities with vast armies that had to be conquered. Israel was often outnumbered, out resourced, and out skilled in warfare, but the presence of God with them made them more than enough. God’s presence sustained them through otherwise impossible situations. Resting in that assurance bolstered Joshua’s spiritual confidence to undertake impossible battles.
For us, life is often filled with floods, fiery trials and difficulties we can’t see our way through. When Isaiah was facing those kinds of conditions, God said to him, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you a blaze. For I am the Lord, your God.” (Isaiah 43:2) For Isaiah, resting in the assurance of God’s presence was the guarantee to victory.
The Psalmist David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) Resting in that fact dispels fear and emboldens our spiritual confidence.
Activity:
As you lay your head upon your pillow, tonight, picture yourself in the presence of Jesus. Thank Him that His presence guarantees your victory.