Be Strong and Courageous

"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1: 9 NRSV

Joshua must have needed a whole lot of encouragement as he took on the leadership of God's people following Moses' death. God tells him three times to be strong and courageous! In addition, the people (verse 18) also tell him to be strong and courageous. Maybe it wasn't that he was fearful but that he was going to need all the strength and courage to cross the Jordan and take over the promised land.

Where in your life do you need courage and strength? Has there ever been a time when you have lacked that fortitude? Would it help for God to encourage you? Would you find the support of others to be helpful in these times of need?

I have had times in my life where I have shown great courage and strength. However, there have been just as many times where I have been truly timid and afraid. The difference is knowing that God is with me. When I know that God is with me "wherever I go" and I am certain that I am going in the direction that God wants me to travel, then I have courage and strength.

Let's ask God right now for God's presence so that we can be strong and courageous.

God, help us not be frightened or dismayed but to be strong and courageous. Guide us, Lord, and be with us wherever we go. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims