“And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you.”
(Joshua 23:5)
Joshua 23:5 declares God’s unwavering faithfulness, assuring victory to His people as they obey His commands. Just as Israel fought to possess the promised land, I am called to battle spiritual enemies and to defend the gospel against opposition. John Flavel notes, “God’s promises arm the believer with courage, for He fights for those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 affirms, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” And Psalm 18:2 proclaims: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”
The Christian’s battle is not against “flesh and blood” but “against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Sin, temptation, and false doctrines are my foes, yet God’s power prevails. But Psalm 66:18 warns me that “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” This reminds me that I must remain pure in heart if I am to secure His aid.
Israel’s deliverance from Pharaoh at the Red Sea (Exod. 14:30) mirrors God’s promise to deliver me as long as I am obedient to Him. This call to courage demands a holy walk, as we note in Isaiah 1:19-20 where the prophet contrasts the blessings of obedience with the consequences of rebellion.
And Deuteronomy 31:6 further exhorts, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” I must therefore face adversity with faith, knowing trials refine me for glory. And I must remember that the greater my crosses, the brighter will be my crown.
Yet I need God’s strength to remain steadfast. I need His Spirit to purify my heart and His grace to help me uphold the gospel boldly. My prayer then is for courage to proclaim His truth, faith to trust in His promises, and the grace to live a life that glorifies Him, confident that He delivers His champions.
Contemplations:
- Trusting in God’s promises. Joshua 23:5 assures me of God’s faithfulness. But in order to trust His promises, I must rely on Psalm 84:11: “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” and seek to conquer in His strength alone.
- Living a holy life. Psalm 66:18 warns that sin hinders God’s ear. I therefore must ensure that I do not harbor sin in my heart, but readily confess it, as Isaiah 1:19-20 urges, in order to secure His favor and blessing.
- Courage in adversity. Deuteronomy 31:6 calls for fearless faith. In order to not cower before my enemies, I must trust God’s presence as He promises: “he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
- Embracing hardships. Hebrews 9:27 reminds me of the certainty of judgment. In light of this truth I must embrace suffering with a thankful heart, for Psalm 18:2 declares that God, my deliverer, is preparing me for glory.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord, You are the faithful God who fulfills every promise, as Joshua 23:5 declares: “And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you.” I come before You, seeking Your strength to be Your champion, upholding the gospel with courage. Grant me faith to trust Your promises, as found in Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
I plead for Your Spirit to purify my heart because I know, as Psalm 66:18 warns, that “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Cleanse me from sin that hinders Your aid and align my life with Your will. And when those enemies of sin, temptation, or opposition arise, embolden me with Deuteronomy 31:6’s call: “Be strong and of a good courage… for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee.” Let me face adversity without fear, trusting Your deliverance, for Psalm 18:2 proclaims: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”
I ask for grace to welcome hardships, for I know that trials refine me, preparing me for glory. Empower me to proclaim Your gospel boldly, make me steadfast and cheerful in suffering, reliant on Your mercy for I know that You fight for me (Romans 8:31).
Lord, also bless Your church to stand as champions, united in faith, proclaiming Your truth. Raise up ministers to guide us to stand courageous that our lives may testify to Your deliverance and thereby draw others to Your love.
Finally, Father, make me Your faithful servant, trusting Your promises, purified by Your Spirit, and bold in the faith.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Joshua 23:5:
Num. 33:53, Exod. 23:30, Josh. 13:6, Deut. 11:23, Exod. 34:11.
