Joshua 9-12; Psalm 67

This is the constant repeated plea from Joshua to the people as enemies surround them: do not be afraid.

This is a reminder that the appearance of fear can be reflexive and out of control. Your body may shudder. Your body might tense up. Your mind might start running and you didn’t even step off; it just started happening. One, from our experiences and from narratives around us, this is totally normal! No shame for having the feeling of feat. No guilt for how your body naturally reacts.

But what we do have control over is how we respond to that fear. Is it a fear that has been programmed from outdated narratives? Is it fear we need to re-examine against the reality? Is it fear that doesn’t serve but actually harms? Take the time to hold the fear loosely with open hands. Why are you afraid right now? How is this current fear colored by the past? How can this current fear be released by looking at the present?

Joshua is not scolding the people to stop being afraid. He acknowledges the fear, but points them to something more powerful. When our gaze is on something more magnificent, lesser feats and obstacles gray out.