Joshua 1:9: Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
In Joshua 1:9, Joshua is exhorted to be strong and courageous by the Angel of the Lord. But that is not the only time Joshua is told, verses 6 and 7 also begin with “Be strong and courageous” – 3 times in 4 verses – it must be important! The Israelites were about to face a big task and these words were what they needed to hear!
In what areas of life are you personally needing courage and trust? Is there an especially trying circumstance where doing the right thing may require more courage or trust than you think you possess? Don’t be dismayed! God encourages us to be strong and courageous because He is faithful to us! He is with us wherever we go!
Call to Action
As parents (and teachers), we have daily opportunities to teach our children about courage and trust! When children are scared or uncertain, these are the times they especially need to be wrapped in a parent’s (or teacher’s) love in order to reassure them that everything will be okay! Isn’t that a beautiful picture of what God does for His people? In our weakest moments, moments of fear and uncertainty, He wraps His loving arms around us!
If we want our children to be courageous and to place their trust in Him, we need to take the time to be there for them and to encourage them with the same words that reassured Joshua! “Be strong and Courageous! Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
