I still can sing the lyrics from VBS over 20 years ago, “Be Bold, Be strong for the Lord thy God is with you. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged. For the Lord thy God will be with you wherever you go. BE BOLD!” This verse (Joshua 1:9) is often partnered with lessons on not being afraid of the dark or meeting a new friend. Although those absolutely can be practical times to partner with this truth, I wonder if we put this verse then to be for little kids and not applicable to us mature adults no longer in need of a night light. This verse though is spoken to Joshua and a nation who were preparing to fight and conquer their promised land.The Lord often asks us to do things when we are following Him that require great belief in our security in Him and great courage to go after the things He asks of us.
I have been reflecting recently on the fall of King Saul. When he is first approached by Samual the prophet, he appears humble in saying “I am from the least of the tribes and least of the clans” (1 Samuel 9:21). I would propose though that maybe rather than humility, we are seeing a first glimpse into Saul’s insecurity. Time and time again we see Saul being obedient to the Lord’s commands up until a point. Once when the troops were getting restless and Samuel seemed to be running late, Saul took action in his own hands (1 Sam 13). Another time he keeps plunder from a nation he was told not to (1 Sam 15). At first glance, one may say this reflects Saul’s pride and arrogance, but just as I proposed a deeper look at humility, I would say those actions were actually done out of insecurity in himself in who God said he was and a trust in God following through and providing for them. In the first instance, see Saul’s response, “‘Since I saw that the people were scattering away from me, and that you did not come within the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, therefore, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked for the Lord’s favor [by making supplication to Him].’ So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering. (1 Sam 13:11-12)’” His response is reflecting his fear that his army would leave him and that he would be overcome. He partnered with that fear rather than trust and belief. Saul’s response in chapter 15 says, “But the people took the spoil” (1 Sam 15:21) and “because I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (vs 24). He even rips Samuel’s robe as he walks away in a burst of anxiety. Saul seems to obey the Lord until the point that his own insecurity or someone else’s voice is louder. “Samuel said, “Is it not true that even though you were small (insignificant) in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed you king over Israel (1 Sam 15:17). Saul saw himself as small and insignificant, but God called him out as king. God spoke identity over him, and Saul’s job was to rest in God’s security and confidence in his God-given identity. Saul did not walk in that identity though, as we see this insecurity only increase and turn to paranoia as time goes on.
The Lord calls us to be bold and courageous knowing who He is, believing His character and Word, and also believing in the wealth He put in us. He asks us to be confident in Him, the good work He has done on the cross, and the identity He calls out in us.
We see the next king, David, also have a big fall in character. Why is it that Saul was rejected but David is still known as the Man after God’s own heart? I believe that rests in relationship. When Samual called out Saul’s disobedience, “Saul said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” (1st Sam 15:30) When the prophet Nathan called out David, David sought the Lord himself in fasting and repentance (2nd Sam 12, Ps 51). David loved the Lord and knew that he was loved by the Lord. Jesus says “As the Father has loved Me, have I loved you. Abide in My love. (John 15:9)”
Remain in His love! Rest in His love for you and walk in full confidence of no condemnation. Don’t partner with insecurity and fear. Be Bold! Be strong! For the Lord thy God is in you!