Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
God's command to Joshua before he leads Israel into the promised land.
The episode in a glance.
- 01Courage is commanded, not just encouraged.
- 02'Do not be afraid' appears three times in this chapter.
- 03God promises his presence as the reason not to fear.
- 04Strength here is spiritual, not just physical.
Read along.
Joshua 1:9 — 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' This is God's direct word to Joshua, taking over from Moses.
Joshua has reason to be afraid. He's leading a nation of complainers into hostile territory. The previous generation died in the wilderness because they lost their nerve. And now it's his turn.
God doesn't say the danger isn't real. He says be strong anyway. 'Have I not commanded you?' Courage isn't optional here. It's an order. And the reason is stated clearly: 'the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' Not 'it will be easy.' Not 'you won't get hurt.' He's with you. That's the courage.
This verse gets quoted at graduations and before big decisions. And it fits. Anytime you're stepping into the unknown with responsibility on your shoulders, this is the promise. Not that you'll succeed. That he won't leave.