The other day I was having a visit with someone I know quite well.  It was one of those conversations that had evolved from superficialities to the core questions of our daily current events. 

I would describe her as one who is struggling with the “nagging nonsense of Satan.” Both she and I had shared the details of the world, the natural calamities, the virus pandemic, the terrible and vicious activities of social unrest, and to be sure the concerns we both have over the political mess that is gripping us these days, and the uncertainty that lies ahead for our children and their children. Our list went on and on until we were mentally exhausted and our spirits were drawn down and depressed.

I call this the “nagging nonsense of Satan,” not to trivialize any of it, but to make clear that I firmly believe that that’s what all these things are. Individually or collectively they are real issues that are designed by the devil to have us lose our focus and take our eyes and lives off the absolute reality of God, His grace, His mercy, and His sure promises of peace and eternal joy through Jesus Christ.

In the middle of all this frustration and fearfulness, I am drawn by the Spirit of God to consider what He has revealed to all people in the pages of sacred scripture. May I take you to the story of Joshua in the bible. It’s the sixth book Of the Old Testament. May I encourage you to read chapter 1. PLEASE!

Joshua followed after Moses’ death as the leader of God’s people. God instructed him to rally God’s people and to prepare to begin the march across the Jordan River to occupy the land God had promised them. To allay the fears of the people, the young, the old, the mothers and children, the leaders, the soldiers and all who would make the journey God gave and repeated the advice that we have to share and which we need to take to heart. They are words of promise and encouragement: “Be strong and be courageous.” To be able to take comfort from these words we must remember that God kept all of his promises to Joshua and His people. He kept the promise to send a Savior as well! You and I can take refuge in the reality of God’s love and mercy as we look to Jesus. Now recite to yourself John 3:16. God bless!