Joshua 1:6-9 Be Strong and Courageous
In this passage, God is speaking to Joshua, who has just been appointed as the leader of the Israelites following the death of Moses. God is calling Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land.
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In our journey of faith, we often encounter challenges and uncertainties that can leave us feeling weak and fearful. Yet, in the midst of life's trials, God calls us to be strong and courageous, trusting in His promise and provision.
We explore the powerful message of encouragement found in the book of Joshua, as God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Let us draw inspiration from Joshua's example and embrace God's promise to strengthen and uphold us in every circumstance.
God Always Encourages His People
A. The Transition of Leadership The opening of the Book of Joshua presents one of the most daunting transitions in biblical history. Moses, the towering figure who led Israel out of Egypt, is dead. Joshua is now called to step into those massive shoes and lead a stubborn people into a land filled with fortified cities and giants. The task was not just difficult; it was humanly impossible.
B. The Divine Command and Encouragement In Joshua 1:6, 7, and 9, God repeats a specific phrase like a rhythmic drumbeat: "Be strong and courageous." It is vital to notice that God does not merely issue orders; He provides the emotional and spiritual fuel to carry them out. He is a Commander who encourages His soldiers.
C. The Weight of Daily Life Life in 2026 remains a battleground. Whether you are an educator, a student, a mother, a manual laborer, or a corporate professional, the "daily grind" can wear down the soul. Routine leads to exhaustion, and challenges lead to fear. In the middle of your weariness, the same God who spoke to Joshua speaks to you: "Be strong."
D. The Eternal Source of Courage God’s encouragement was not a one-time event for a single leader. It is a fundamental part of His character. Today, we will explore how God encourages His people to stay the course until the very end.
I. God Encourages Us in Specific Ways
God does not offer vague platitudes. His encouragement is rooted in His power and His specific promises to act on our behalf.
A. A Promise of Defense
God told Joshua: "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life" (Joshua 1:5). For a leader facing superior military forces, these were the most fortifying words possible. God later promised to deliver the nations into their hands, ensuring that the battle was decided before it even began (Deuteronomy 7:22–24).
B. God Fights Our Battles
Our courage is not based on our skill, but on His sovereignty.
• Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
• Hebrews 13:6: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."
• Psalm 118:6: When the Creator of the universe is on your side, fear loses its authority.
C. Timely Assistance
God’s encouragement is always "on time." He responds when we cry out (Psalm 118:5). We are invited to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence" to find help in our hour of need (Hebrews 4:16). He ensures that no temptation or trial exceeds our capacity to endure, providing a "way out" through His strength (1 Corinthians 10:13).
D. Encouragement Through Others
God often uses human "vessels of encouragement." He commanded Moses to encourage Joshua specifically to prepare him for the task (Deuteronomy 1:38; 3:28).
• In the New Testament, we see the church functioning as a mutual encouragement society (Acts 18:27).
• We are explicitly commanded to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
E. Great Examples of Divine Support
• For Peter: Jesus prayed for him to prevent his faith from failing when Satan wanted to "sift" him (Luke 22:31–32).
• For Paul: The Lord stood near Paul during his imprisonment to give him strength (Hechos 23:11). In his final defense, Paul noted that even though everyone else deserted him, the Lord stood at his side (2 Timothy 4:16–17).
II. God Encourages Us Because He Is With Us
The greatest source of encouragement is not a thing God gives, but the presence of God Himself.
A. The Inseparable Presence
God’s resume of presence is consistent throughout history:
• To Joshua: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" (Joshua 1:5).
• To Moses: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).
• To Jacob: "Go back... and I will be with you" (Genesis 31:3).
B. Presence in the Mission
We are never sent on a "solo mission." God told Moses, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). Jesus echoed this in the Great Commission, promising, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
C. God Is With Us Today
The God of Joshua is the God of the 21st century. He does not change. His presence is available in:
• The hospital room (Illness)
• The unemployment office (Economic crisis)
• The broken home (Family problems)
• The face of opposition (Persecution)
III. Our Responsibility: Strength and Obedience
While God’s encouragement is a gift, it demands a response. Encouragement is meant to lead to action.
A. The Condition of Success In Joshua 1:7–8, God links Joshua’s strength to his relationship with the Word:
1. Keep the Law: Do not turn from it to the right or to the left.
2. Meditate on it: Day and night, let the Word shape your thoughts.
3. Obedience: Encouragement is not a license for spiritual laziness; it is the motivation to be a faithful servant.
When we walk in the path God has set through His Word, we find that His presence becomes more tangible. Success, in God’s eyes, is directly tied to our adherence to His instructions.
1: God's Promise to Strengthen Joshua (Joshua 1:6)
In Joshua 1:6, God promises to strengthen Joshua as he assumes leadership over the Israelites, following the death of Moses. This assurance of divine empowerment highlights God's faithfulness to equip His servants for the tasks He has called them to. Just as God strengthened Joshua for his assignment, He promises to strengthen us for every challenge we face in life.
2: God's Order and Calling (Joshua 1:9a)
God's command to Joshua in Joshua 1:9a is a reminder of His sovereignty and authority over His chosen servant. Joshua is called to be obedient to God's instructions and to fulfill the divine calling placed upon his life. Similarly, as believers, we are called to submit to God's authority and to walk in obedience to His will, trusting in His perfect plan and timing.
3: Dependence on God's Word (Joshua 1:7)
In Joshua 1:7, God exhorts Joshua to be strong and courageous, not deviating from the law that Moses had given him. This underscores the importance of dependence on God's Word as the foundation for our strength and courage. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and meditate on God's precepts, we are equipped to face life's challenges with confidence and assurance.
4: Trust in God's Promise (Joshua 1:6)
God's promise to Joshua in Joshua 1:6 serves as a catalyst for trust and confidence in His provision and faithfulness. Despite the formidable obstacles ahead, Joshua is encouraged to trust in God's promise to give the Israelites possession of the land. Similarly, we are called to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word in our lives.
5: The Exhortation to Courage (Joshua 1:7)
Repeatedly, God exhorts Joshua to be strong and courageous as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This call to courage is not based on human strength or abilities but on faith in God's presence and power. Likewise, we are called to be courageous in the face of adversity, knowing that God goes before us and fights on our behalf.
6: The Presence of God (Joshua 1:9b)
In Joshua 1:9b, God assures Joshua of His constant presence and companionship, promising never to leave him nor forsake him. This reminder of God's abiding presence is a source of comfort and strength for Joshua as he embarks on his daunting mission. Similarly, as believers, we can take refuge in the assurance of God's presence with us, knowing that He is our ever-present help in times of need.
7: Living under Divine Guidance (Joshua 1:7-8)
God instructs Joshua to carefully obey His commands and to meditate on His law day and night, ensuring success and prosperity in all his endeavors (Joshua 1:7-8). This underscores the importance of living under divine guidance, allowing God's Word to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. As we walk in obedience to God's commands, we experience His favor and blessing in our lives.
8: The Importance of Trusting God (Joshua 1:9b)
In the closing words of Joshua 1:9, God reiterates His command to be strong and courageous, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Him. This call to trust in God's provision and protection is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding us of the vital role that faith plays in our relationship with God. As we trust in God wholeheartedly, we experience His peace and presence in our lives, enabling us to overcome every obstacle and challenge.
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9. We need to be strong and courageous
Courage is an essential virtue in every person. It is a quality that makes people strong. We admire courage in heroes because it allows us to live inspired lives. Our definition of courage is the willingness to face danger without fear.Without strength of will, a person can become physically and emotionally sick from making poor decisions. Essentially, we must choose to be strong and courageous on both a mental and physical level.
- Battle against sin (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17)
- Need to be strong in the faith (1 Cor. 16:13)
- Oftentimes have to make tough decisions (Lk. 14:25-33)
- God is for us (Rom. 8:31; Heb. 13:5)
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Conclusion
As we reflect on the message of Joshua 1, let us be encouraged to embrace God's promise to strengthen and uphold us in every circumstance. Just as God equipped Joshua for his assignment, He promises to equip us for the challenges we face in life. May we be strong and courageous, trusting in God's provision, obeying His commands, and living under His divine guidance. As we walk in faith and obedience, may we experience the fullness of God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
Jesus had His His mission; when asked if He was God's Son, on the cross as He submitted Himself into death so that we may be saved.
- Fear is a companion of torment (1 Jn. 4:18)
- To be dismayed is to be discouraged.
- Hope is an antidote (Heb. 6:19)
- The dismay of the disciples was offset by the news of His resurrection (Jn. 20:20)
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