Dig Deep and Get Filled

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

When God told Joshua he was going to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, He said these words to him four times, “Be strong and courageous.”

God knows it’s a struggle for us to choose courage when we’re going through tough times. We often forget that Jesus is with us—actually living inside us—through it all.Sometimes stress can feel unbearable. When I go through times like these, I know I need to remember to depend on God instead of my own abilities. I make sure that I’m doing what I can, but I also find quiet time to pray so I can focus on Him and His Word. Somewhere deep down inside of me I find His power to get through.

As I spend this time with Him, it’s as though I am digging a well. At first it would seem like nothing is happening. Shovel after shovel full of dirt, but little to no water. But if you kept at it, suddenly the water would gush up to fill the well completely.

The same often happens when you spend time with God. You pray, worship, read His Word, meditate and something changes. Sometimes you get a strong sense of His presence. Other times, your confidence is renewed. All doubts are washed away as you become filled with the knowledge that you will overcome.

It’s not about the ‘experience,’ though. Don’t get caught up in looking for a certain kind of encounter. Just know that Jesus is in you wherever you go and you can tap in to His presence whenever you like.