Have 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.”

Joshua 1:9

Have you ever felt you were not quite up for the challenge ahead? I’ve been in that position and maybe you have as well.

Joshua had big shoes to fill. I mean, who wants to be the person that follows someone like Moses? In most instances, it is better to be the next guy – the one who follows the one who follows the legend, right?

Certainly, Joshua faced a significant challenge. In the first nine verses of the book with his name, the LORD told Joshua to “be strong and courageous” not once, or twice, but three times!

I’ve read before that repeating a command or phrase three times carried a special significance in Jewish culture, but even if he wasn’t aware, Joshua must have noticed the repetition.

How are we to be strong and courageous? At least part of the answer is found in the previous verse –

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8

God’s word contains His promises and His word is true. We can depend on what He has to say and it is helpful for us to keep His word in mind every moment of every day.

When you feel that you’re lacking courage remember God’s encouraging words to Joshua. It’s another reminder that God is for us and will never leave us.