BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS

 

February 18, 2025

Joshua 1:9

9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”


Psalm 23:4

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.



2 Corinthians 10:5

5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,



Isaiah 55:8-9

8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.





At first glance, Joshua 1 may appear to be commands to summon the strength of a Superhuman and the courage of a lion. But digging into the original Hebrew meanings of “strong” and “courageous” reveals an important truth.

The Hebrew word for “strong” means to “fasten upon.”
Joshua had to cling to God, because the strength and endurance he needed for his life and calling could only come from the Creator.

The Hebrew word for courageous means “to be alert.”
Joshua had to be vigilant because, like we all know, distractions are everywhere and can lead us off course in our walk with God.

Here in Joshua 1, God reveals to us that to live in His promises, we need to cling to Him and be Alert for the many distractions that come our way.





A PRAYER FOR COURAGE


God,

You are my protector—in You I have all I need. But when trials come my way it’s easy to forget that You are still in control. Sometimes when I look at the world around me, I grow discouraged, and my thoughts start to spiral. I need You to make me strong and courageous.

So as I step into the plans You have for me, please give me the courage I need to trust in You. Remind me that You are with me, and that You will continue to instruct and guide me.

Show me that You are near.

Encourage me when I feel worn out, and renew my strength when I’m overwhelmed. Give me rest when I need it, and remind me of Your promises. Help me to take every thought captive as I give You my concerns.

Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and Your ways are better than mine. You give hope to the hopeless, and strength to the weak. You alone can renew my mind and remind me of my purpose.

Counsel me as I reflect on Your Word, and help me to apply Your truths to my life. Give me the courage I need to do what is right, and help me to pursue You above all else—always.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.