Be Strong and Courageous
Daily Rays of Hope #105
God Has Not Given Us A Spirit of Fear
Today’s Scripture:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Life presents moments when we feel overwhelmed and uncertain. The unknown can stir anxiety, and challenges can invite fear. Yet, in the midst of life’s storms, God speaks clearly and confidently through His Word. In Joshua 1:9, He commands us to be strong and courageous, not because we are sufficient in ourselves, but because His presence is always with us. This is not just encouragement. It is a divine instruction backed by a promise.
Joshua was stepping into leadership after Moses had passed. He was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. It was a monumental assignment. There were enemies to face, territories to conquer, and people to guide. God knew that fear and discouragement could easily creep into Joshua’s heart. So He reminded Joshua of something vital. He would not be going alone.
God’s command to be strong and courageous is not about ignoring the challenges or pretending everything is easy. It is about facing those challenges with the confidence that God is present. Second Timothy 1:7 confirms this truth. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” Fear is not from God. It is a tool the enemy uses to paralyze faith and mute purpose. But God gives us strength. He gives us boldness. He gives us peace.
There will be times when you feel weak or uncertain. That is natural. But in those moments, God shows Himself strong. Second Corinthians 12:9 reminds us of what the Lord said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” When we admit our dependence on God, we make room for His strength to take over. Our human limitations become opportunities for divine empowerment.
The promise that God will never leave us or forsake us is found repeatedly throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses encouraged the people of Israel with these words. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” This truth is echoed again in Hebrews 13:5. God’s presence is not conditional. It is eternal and steadfast.
When fear tries to speak louder than faith, we can remember who walks with us. Isaiah 41:10 declares, “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God is not distant. He is near. He is involved. He is actively working in every detail of your life, even when you do not see it.
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the decision to move forward in faith, even when fear tries to take hold. It is choosing to believe that God is bigger than the problem. It is trusting that His Word is true and His promises are sure. Psalm 27:1 proclaims, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
As children of God, we are not walking blindly through life. We are guided by a faithful Father who sees the beginning from the end. He equips us with everything we need to stand strong. He provides His Word as a foundation. His Spirit as a guide. His presence as protection.
No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone. God has not forgotten you. He has not abandoned you. His command to be strong and courageous is rooted in the assurance that He is with you. Every step. Every moment. Every battle.
Three Practical Ways to Seek the Will of God Daily and Walk Out Joshua 1:9:
Start your day in prayer and Scripture.
Center your heart on God before the demands of the day begin. Reading His Word and talking with Him first thing each morning reminds you of His presence and strength.Speak God's promises over your fears.
When anxiety or doubt creeps in, counter it with truth. Declare scriptures like Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, and Psalm 27:1 aloud. Let your voice align with faith and not fear.Take action in obedience, even when afraid.
Courage is often built in motion. Whether it is stepping into a new responsibility, having a hard conversation, or pursuing a God-given dream, choose to trust God and move forward knowing He goes with you.
Final Encouragement:
You are stronger than you know because God is with you. He has called you, equipped you, and goes before you. Be strong. Be courageous. You are not walking alone. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Let this truth anchor your soul and propel you forward in faith.