“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)
I’ve always admired people who seem fearless. You know the ones—they walk into a room full of strangers like they own it, tackle challenges head-on, and somehow make it all look easy. Meanwhile, I’ve spent plenty of time psyching myself up just to call and schedule a dentist appointment.
The truth is, courage doesn’t come naturally for most of us. And that’s okay. It didn’t come naturally for Joshua either. When God spoke these words to him, Joshua wasn’t on top of the world; he was stepping into some pretty intimidating shoes. Moses, the guy who led the Israelites out of Egypt and performed miracles, was gone. Now Joshua was in charge, and leading the Israelites into the Promised Land wasn’t exactly a stress-free gig.
That’s why God’s command to Joshua is so powerful. It’s not just a pep talk—it’s a promise. God wasn’t telling Joshua to muster up courage from his own strength. He was reminding him that courage comes from *knowing who’s with you*. The same God who parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and spoke to Moses was going with Joshua every step of the way.
The same is true for us. Life will always present us with situations that feel overwhelming—new jobs, tough conversations, uncertain futures. But just like Joshua, we don’t face them alone. God goes with us. And because of that, we can step forward with courage, even when we don’t feel fearless.
So, if you’re staring down something that feels bigger than you are, take heart. You don’t have to be strong and courageous on your own. The Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What is one area of your life where you need courage right now? How can you remind yourself that God is with you as you face it?
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