All relationships can be difficult at times, but they should not be destructive to our well-being. Learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season with this free resource, “Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships.”

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The Best Battle Plan

June 11, 2018

“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’” Joshua 5:13 (NIV)

We’ve all been there at one time or another. Standing in the shadow of difficult circumstances that refuse to budge, while fear whispers in our ear about the inevitability of our defeat.

That’s one of the many reasons I’m so thankful for God’s Word. Because tucked into its pages, we find story after story of people who can help us learn in the midst of our battles. People who show us what it means to look to and depend upon the Lord.

Take Joshua, for example. If ever someone might feel overwhelmed at a situation totally out of their control, his experience facing Jericho was it.

Not only did the wall surrounding Jericho look invincible, but there also was the issue of Israel’s army lacking proper weapons for tackling such an impressively guarded city. You can’t exactly pull down walls with arrows and spears. That’s a job for battering rams and catapults — items noticeably missing from their arsenal.

But they had come too far to turn back. And the people of Israel were counting on Joshua to lead them into this land promised by God.

With all these facts and details weighing on him, Joshua is suddenly confronted by a man with a drawn sword. Scripture reveals this is no mere human. This is the commander of the Lord’s army — God’s presence in human form. And this is no everyday occurrence either. It is an incredible encounter.

Seeing the man is ready for battle, Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13b)

Wrapped in this honest question we discover hesitancy in Joshua — a peek inside his thought life — and a need for reassurance. Such an honest question, but it makes me believe Joshua isn’t walking in complete confidence and assurance. If he were, he wouldn’t have asked. But he did.

This is where we assume that, of course, God’s presence will answer, “Joshua, I am with you, for you and on your side!”

But we would assume wrong.

When asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the presence of God replies, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua falls face down in humility and reverence — asking what message the Lord has for him, His servant. (Joshua 5:14b)

I wonder what kind of message Joshua was expecting, even longing for. Perhaps one overflowing with war strategy and tactics. But instead of detailed plans, Joshua receives a call to worship. He’s told to remove his sandals, for the ground is holy. (Joshua 5:15)

It’s an invitation and a reminder for Joshua to worship the One who’s not only big enough to handle the impending battle, but also loving enough to address the doubt, fear and insecurity running through Joshua’s mind. And as Joshua slips off his sandals, I’m reminded of what I need in the face of my own seemingly insurmountable situations: I need to worry less and worship more …

When I’m desperate for God to give me all the details …

When I’m wishing He would give me the tiniest peek at His plans …

When I’m starting to wonder if He’s for me or against me …

I need to pause, lift my eyes to the One willing to meet me in the midst of my fears, and worship Him. Worshiping not only because it honors Him, but because it also changes me.

Worship might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we feel overwhelmed, but it truly is powerful. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving and our God is a more-than-able God. It both quiets us and strengthens us — perfectly preparing our hearts and minds for whatever battles lie ahead.

I don’t know what “walls” you’re facing in your life right now, friend. I don’t know how overwhelming and daunting they seem. But I do know the perfect battle plan for each and every one of us.

Worry less. Worship more. And trust our God to lead us into victory.

Father God, thank You for reminding me that the best way to prepare my heart and mind for battle is to simply and humbly worship You. So today, as I lay my fears down at Your feet, I lift my hands up to You in worship. You are worthy of my trust. You are worthy of my praise. Today and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 


Are you looking for scriptures to memorize with your kids this summer to help them face their own fears? Check out my children’s book, It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change! Use this story as the theme of your summer and memorize one verse a week of the 10 listed in the front of the book. You’ll love walking your child through ways to apply biblical truth!

Click here to purchase your copy of It Will Be Okay.

If you’re looking for something to dig into each day for yourself, I want to invite you to find biblical encouragement in my new devotional book: Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close.

With Embraced, you will be equipped to:

  • Find freedom from the struggles that have held you hostage by learning new ways to experience God’s love.
  • Surrender your deepest hurts by processing them in a godly way with Lysa, a friend who understands your pain.
  • Hear the Lord speak intimately to your heart by learning how to seek His direction.
  • Release the tension of wondering, “If God is near, why does He sometimes feel far away?” by spending intentional, guided time with Him each day.

Get your copy of Embraced right here.

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11 Comments
  1. Joan

    Lysa, just want to encourage you to keep using your amazing gift of writing encouraging words to others! You have blessed so many women in so many ways. I had just purchased your devotional “Embraced…” and was facing the fear of a root canal.
    I searched your book for something on fear, and was so excited to find the one in which you described your fear of the root canal! Reading it was a much better choice than Valium, which the dentist had prescribed! Thank you, sister, for being so authentic and God bless you and your ministry at Proverbs 31.

    Reply
  2. Trish

    Our God is Mighty. Our God is loving. Our God is more than able. I pray I can remember this when I am weary. Thank you for you soothing wonderful way you share how God loves us Lysa.

    Reply
  3. Denise Pass

    Lysa,
    You capture so well the tension we all feel between our hesitancy and our need for reassurance. I am so grateful God meets us at that place every time, if we are willing to just come and be embraced. Thank you for continually offering the insight God gives you as you seek Him. Just ordered “Embraced” and cannot wait to read it. <3

    Reply
  4. Bethany Georgia

    This makes me think of that old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” It’s amazing how often we can think knowing the details and the plan will solve our fears. But really, only looking to God and focusing on Him can do that. It seems strange, but when we look to Him, we suddenly become okay with the unanswered questions. Thank you for sharing this Scripture and reminding me of that.

    Reply
  5. Cheri N Karkalits

    Lysa I have been praying for you and your family. I can relate to similar life experiences you are experiencing. Looking back it was the Lord who was always with me. I also bought your children’s book and found my 8 year old granddaughter reading it quietly. Her father left her and her mother for another woman in another state and he moved away from them. Now she spends summers with him and new wife and her children. I was so glad to see her seek the book out of a stack of books. I know she struggles with leaving us here for 6 weeks every summer while she goes to see a father who works the majority of the time she is with him but it is what she needs so I just keep praying over her and the situation. Thank you for all you do for us believers and nonbelievers.

    Reply
  6. Marilyn in East Texas

    Dear Lysa,
    Love your new book “Embraced”- I gave a copy to my granddaughter as her high school graduation gift and a copy to my son to encourage him in the midst of his troubles! I was so happy to see my most favorite devotion by you included “The Crushing Times”
    Please pray for my husband who fell and broke his hip and for my son going through very difficult times!
    Love ❤️
    Marilyn

    Reply
  7. Darina

    Sisters! God heard my prayers and gave me strength to lose weight http://bit.ly/2l77LVK

    Reply
  8. Carole Stanley

    Good Morning, Lysa,
    Please add me to your blog so I can continue reading your words of wisdom. While I am old enough to be your mother (or more) I feel your messages really address issues I face and in a Biblical sense, teach me.

    May our LORD continue blessing you with His wisdom and may your personal life bountifully honor Him.

    Reply
  9. Bonnie

    This is a personal message for Lysa. I was hospitalized for nearly 4 months this past winter due to an auto accident. I prayed that your surgery for CA was successful and that now you are free of this dreaded disease. Please let me know at my email.
    I felt prayers and love from friends & family across the country. I wasn’t expected to pull thru but ‘ BY THE GRACE OF GOD” I came of a coma and am now still receiving PT to walk again. I pray that you are well. Love & prayers for you always. I love your books and you. You are so unpretentious !!

    Reply
  10. Kathie Jamison

    I began reading Embraced the first of June. I look forward each day to finding God’s word in Lysa’s devotion. Several times I’ve shared with friends something I’ve read that touched me. Two friends have gone out and bought the book as well.
    This may sound strange, but even the cover of the book is comforting. Looks and feels like a favorite T-shirt. In fact, I would love to have one with the design and colors.
    Thank you, Lysa for this wonderful book of devotions that are helping me to remember that “God is Holding me Close”

    Reply
  11. Mirella

    Lysa, I love this book and my 2 daughters enjoy it so much that you have encouraged me to write one about my daughters miracle story of her traumatic birth. Praise be to God that he saved her and shortly after she was released after 2 months of being there my husband of 15 years asked me for a divorce. I believe this was around the time you were also living a storm of your life. God has planted this in my heart and your words of wisdom are what kept me going. I thank God for you and pray for you and your family. I ask the Lord that he heals the hearts of your family including Art in Jesus name, Amen

    Reply
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