Joshua 1–8; 23–24: Lesson 61

Joshua 1

“The Lord Will Not Fail Us or Forsake Us”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we can draw strength and courage from His promises. Just as Joshua led Israel into the promised land with courage, we, too, can face challenges with confidence, knowing that the Lord will not fail or forsake us. This lesson can help increase your confidence that the Lord will help you be strong and courageous.

Study the Scriptures

Have you ever been asked to do something that you felt certain was beyond your ability? Read Joshua 1:1–2. Look for what the Lord asked Joshua to do.

Although Moses had been with the children of Israel since their deliverance from Egypt, the Lord called Joshua to lead them into the promised land. Joshua would have the responsibility of the spiritual leadership of Israel. Joshua was also the military commander and would lead Israel to conquer the land from the Canaanites, who were ripe in iniquity (see 1 Nephi 17:31–40). The Lord had promised this land to Abraham and his righteous posterity (see Joshua 1:1–4).

Next to Joshua 1:2, make a note. Write “I would have felt … ,” then list at least three emotions.

Read Joshua 1:5–9, marking the Lord’s promises and instructions that might have helped Joshua focus on Him.

Connection. As the temporal and spiritual leader of the Israelites, Joshua is also a type and shadow of Jesus Christ. The name Jesus is “the Greek form of the name Joshua or Jeshua, ‘God is help’ or ‘Savior’” (Bible Dictionary, “Jesus“). Joshua/Jeshua/Jesus would be the one to lead Israel to the promised land.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

What does it mean to have courage?

One definition of the word “courage” is the quality of mind or spirit that empowers a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, and so on in spite of fear. In other words, courage is bravery. The Lord gives promises of courage throughout the scriptures.

Read Joshua 1:9. Look for what the Lord promised Joshua that could give him courage.

Read three or more of the following verses. Tag insights you discover as “courage.”

• Deuteronomy 31:7–8

• Isaiah 40:29–31

• John 14:27

• Romans 8:31

• 2 Timothy 1:7

• Doctrine and Covenants 128:22

In your notebook, write some challenges you are facing now or might face in the future. Consider how these challenges require courage. Then answer the following questions:

• What might it look like to be strong and have courage when facing these challenges?

• What do you know about the Lord that could help someone be strong and have courage? How do you know this?

Option B

How can meditating on Christ’s words give me strength and courage?

Read Joshua 1:8 and one or more of the following scriptures:

• 2 Timothy 3:15–17

• 2 Nephi 31:20

• 2 Nephi 32:3

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

When I say “study,” I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you. (“When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 11)

Select a scripture passage to practice meditating on. Use what Elder Christofferson taught as you meditate.

1. Read and reread the passage you selected with the desire to learn from it rather than just to finish.

2. Reflect upon what you are reading, the meaning of the words, and how they apply to you. Think deeply about it again and again.

3. Try to engage your mind in an active process, mentally searching and thinking about the scripture, words and phrases, and how the message of the verse can help you.

4. Write down any thoughts or feelings that come as you practice.

After your scripture meditation, respond to the following questions in your notebook:

• What helped you meditate on scriptures?

• How do you think meditating on God’s words can help you have strength and courage?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help increase your confidence that the Lord will help you be strong and courageous.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that can help you be strong and courageous when facing challenges.

• The scripture passage you meditated on and how it helps you feel confident that the Lord can help you.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?