Finding Courage

Reflect on God’s Word

How can you command someone to be strong and courageous? We usually think of courage as a feeling, and feelings are notoriously hard to control.

But in Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous: “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.”

Before he died, Moses laid his hands on Joshua, and he “was filled with the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9). The Israelites recognized him as their new leader, the one who would take them into the promised land. What a daunting task! After all, Moses left some big shoes to fill. “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 34:12). And now the children of Israel are gathered around Joshua, awaiting his direction about what they are to do next.

The verses immediately preceding and following Joshua 1:9 encourage the Israelites that God is with them and will give them victory in battle. Three times God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (vv. 6, 7, and 9). Was it because Joshua was wondering whether he was up to the task? Nowhere does God tell him to ignore fear or to pretend that the challenge before him isn’t all that great. Instead, he assures Joshua—and the children of Israel—of his constant presence and that they will be victorious in battle.

We probably all have different ideas about what strength and courage look like. For some of us, strength refers to physical might. Other people might think of emotional resilience. Joshua was certainly facing physical hardship, but he was also about to leave the life he’d known for a very long time. Having courage for him meant trusting God with his physical and mental well-being; being strong meant carrying out God’s commands. It meant believing that God meant it when he said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (v. 5). Joshua found courage in this promise. You can too.

Like Joshua, you can rely on the presence of God whenever you’re feeling afraid. Whenever you come up against something too big to handle, remind yourself that God is with you and has promised to lead you. Instead of just hoping you feel brave enough for the circumstance, rejoice in his constant presence and never-failing guidance.

Like Joshua, you can choose to rejoice in the presence of God, no matter what is in front of you. And you can find courage.

Release Your Fear

Begin to analyze what you’re afraid of. Perhaps you fear confronting someone about a way in which they hurt you, or something they’re doing wrong. Maybe you have felt God calling you to right an injustice in your community. Or maybe you’re moving to a new city, taking a new job, or starting college. All these can be fear-inducing circumstances. Acknowledge them, and then begin to embrace a posture of humility, admitting you’re afraid and need help, so that you can receive strength and courage. Relax your body as much as you can and slow your breathing. Find a good rhythm and a comfortable position that will allow you to turn your thoughts inward.

Reflect on a time in your past that required courage. Spend a moment dissecting your process. Try to remember details of the way God helped you. Perhaps he sent along a friend or a kind word at just the right time. Maybe he used Scripture to help you be courageous. How did you see God work on your behalf?

Now, spend a moment thinking about the things going on in your life right now. Focus on anything causing you anxiety. Now focus on the fact that God will give you the strength to deal with it. He is saying to you just as he said to Joshua, “Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:18). Ask a friend to pray for you as you determine to take the step God is asking you to take.

You don’t have to wait until you feel brave to be strong and courageous. You have the support of the God who controls the wind and the waves, and he promises to be with you. Look for ways to lean on that support today in your job, in your home, in your relationships. Focus on God instead of the storms around you, and he will get you through whatever it is that’s in your way.

Lord, thank you so much for your attention to my life. I am humbled by the fact that you care for me. Help me remember that your presence is enough to help me become strong and courageous when I am confronted with something that threatens to create fear in my life. I know you are the source of my strength and courage, and I’m so grateful you would provide that for me! Open my heart today to rejoice in your goodness and my mind to understand your truth. In your Son’s holy name I pray, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: Write about some challenging situations you face at work, at home, or in relationships. How might seeking God’s presence in these situations help you find courage to face them?