The Lord said to Joshua some of the most encouraging words even spoken from God to man: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

This powerful undergirding seeped through a nation on the cusp of their promised land. Joshua must have repeated the words over and over during preparations for crossing the Jordan and organizing for battle.

The phrase caught on.

Joshua later met with the leaders of the tribes who would lead the nation into the land. He reminded them of their sacred responsibility and their oath before the Lord. No turning back until the Lord gave them rest.

Their response? Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go…Only be strong and courageous!

The call sounded from every lip, encouraging everyone from warrior to child. It’s still a call sounding in our ears—if we choose to pause and listen. Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

I need to soak in that promise. Join me, then pass it on to someone else who needs to hear it today.

Joshua 1 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Zach Reiner