God's command to be strong and unafraid rests on His promise to be with us.
“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.”Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
What does “Not dismayed” mean in Joshua 1:9?
God speaks to Joshua as he takes over from Moses and faces a huge task. The command not to be afraid is backed by the assurance that the LORD will be with him wherever he goes.
Going deeper
God says to Joshua, 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. It is a command, but it comes with a reason. Joshua does not have to produce courage from within. His courage rests on the fact that God is with him, in every place he goes. Presence is the basis for boldness.
Think about a place you are afraid to go this week, a conversation, a meeting, a diagnosis, a decision. God says, I am with you there. Let that be the basis of your courage. Pray the verse before you go, and say, Lord, You are with me in this. Then take the step, not because you feel strong, but because He is with you. Courage often follows presence. Presence, not personal confidence, is what makes us bold. Take that with you into today's hardest moment.
Reflect
Where are you afraid to go, and how could you remember that God is with you there?
Pray
Lord, You are with me wherever I go. Give me strength and good courage, and keep me from fear and dismay. In Jesus' name, amen.
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