LISTEN ONLINEWith no trace of nerves, twenty-one-year-old Esther sang a beautiful solo to superstars Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, will.i.am and Anne-Marie for The Voice UK. Her audition was successful, and she went forward on Tom Jones’ team for the next stage of the televised competition. Her talent was obvious, but what the judges didn’t know was that for years she had struggled with such severe anxiety that it made her vomit. Though she didn’t win the competition, being able to audition in front of her musical heroes was already a triumph.
Two things helped Esther. First, she sought medical treatment. Second, she found peace through the book of Joshua. Joshua had plenty to be anxious about before leading the Israelites into the promised land. Formerly slaves, this generation had wandered for years and had no military training, yet they would face a literal battle. In this context, God tells Joshua to “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6), and repeats it like a mantra (vv. 7, 9). How can Joshua have courage, despite the circumstances? Because God promises, “[I] will be with you wherever you go” (v. 9 ) and “I will not fail you or forsake you” (v. 5).
Jesus reassures us, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). We cling to this. Whether we experience clinical anxiety like Esther or face a daunting future like Joshua, God is here: with us and ahead of us.