“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Psychologist Gabriel Radvansky from the University of Notre Dame studied this phenomenon and coined the term “doorway effect.” His research found that when we pass through a doorway, our minds experience an event boundary. This location change can interfere with our ability to carry out our intended actions.
We may try to overcome this effect by implementing different strategies that remind us of our original intention. For example, we may write down what we’re doing or use visual cues—if you’re going into the kitchen to get something to drink, you may carry an empty glass.
The book of Joshua begins with “After the death of Moses” (verse 1). Joshua and the people have walked through a metaphorical doorway. The man who had led them from Egypt is gone, and they are entering into a new phase of their journey. God reminds them of the same promise He made to Moses and the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Just as God reminded Joshua and the people of Israel to be strong and courageous, He reminds us today of His unwavering presence and support. In our daily experiences, we too may encounter the "doorway effect"—moments when we experience fear and discouragement, moments of doubt and uncertainty. But the Holy Spirit serves as our guide, reminding us of God's promise that He is with us wherever we go and gives us the strength to face every challenge. With this assurance, we can overcome moments of forgetfulness and uncertainty.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your unwavering presence and Your promise. As You were with Joshua and the people of Israel, You go with us today, guiding and supporting us through every doorway and challenge we face.
We are grateful for Your Son, Jesus, whose sacrifice saved us and His example of courage and strength. Help us follow in His footsteps with faith and determination, secure in knowing that You are our constant companion.
We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us and remind us of Your promise. As we face moments of forgetfulness, fear, and uncertainty, may the Spirit remind us of the assurance that You are always with us, strengthening our hearts and minds to carry out Your will with confidence and faith.
May we be encouraged by Your promise and filled with Your peace. May we remember that You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of need.
We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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