Scripture For Today

Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Encouragement

Courage grows when it remembers who goes with us. The Lord does not send His people forward and then stand far away. He is present in the going.

Joshua 1:9 is a powerful command and comfort from God. It was spoken to Joshua as he was preparing to lead the children of Israel after Moses’ death. Joshua had a great responsibility before him, and the road ahead would include battles, decisions, uncertainty, and pressure. God reminds him that courage is not optional, because God Himself would be with him.

When the verse says, “Have not I commanded thee?” God is reminding Joshua that this calling did not come from man. God had commanded him to move forward. That matters because when God gives the command, He also gives the strength needed to obey it.

Then God says, “Be strong and of a good courage.” This does not mean Joshua had to depend on his own natural confidence. It means he could be strong because God was with him. Biblical courage is not the absence of fear; it is trusting God enough to obey Him even when fear is present.

The phrase “be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed” speaks to both fear and discouragement. Fear can make us hesitate, and dismay can make us feel overwhelmed or defeated. God tells Joshua not to let either one control him.

Then comes the reason for courage: “for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua could move forward because he was not going alone. God’s presence would go with him into every place, every battle, every decision, and every unknown.

This scripture reminds us that when God leads us into something, He does not abandon us in it. We can be strong, courageous, and faithful because the Lord is with us wherever we go.

Today’s Application

• Take courage from God’s presence, not from perfect circumstances.
• Do the faithful thing that fear has delayed.
• Encourage someone else who is trying to keep going.

Prayer

Lord, give me courage that is rooted in Your presence. Help me move forward without being ruled by fear or discouragement. In Jesus name, amen.

Reflection Question

Where do I need courage to continue rather than courage to control everything?