Patriachs and Adventurers was the title of today's service, and the attribute to which we aspired, hope.

Joshua, in his commission from God is told three times 'be strong and (very) courageous' or, as the Good News puts it 'determined and confident'

I presume he was told this three times because he would need to keep these quailities very much alive as he faced the realities of leading the Israelite nation.  Twice the 'be strong and courageous' is linked to an assurance of God's presence, once to an instruction to obey the law.  We pondered, extremely briefly, why two promises to one command, a somehow reassuring image of God, it has to be said.

Be strong and very courageous...

Be determined and confident...

... even when life is all trudge and drudge

... even when life is all uncertainty and bewilderment

... even when life is dull and boring

... even when life is safe and predictable

... even when fear and anxiety fill your heart

... even when you are perplexed and confused

... even when you feel like giving up

... even when you wonder 'why'

... even when doubt outweighs certainty

Be strong, be courageous, be determined, be confident...

... for God is with us,

... God is for us,

... God will guard, guide and keep us

This is our hope

Our candle in the darkness

And, despite all odds, we choose to believe