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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
- Joshua 1:9
Are things going wrong today?
Stop and remember your trust in Christ.
Bring your requests to Him, and rest knowing you can leave those worries, fears, and concerns with Him.
Then, move on with your day, doing the next thing you must do.
As doubts creep in, continually remind yourself that God is handling it. Continue to lift your requests to Him as they come to mind.
We are told in the first chapter of Joshua three times to be strong and courageous.
However, we can’t do it on our own!
As we study and meditate day and night on God’s Word, hiding it in our hearts, it comes to mind to help us through each struggle.
But it is when we obey God’s Word that God prospers us and helps us overcome those things that weigh us down. God doesn’t just want our trust; He also wants our obedience.
As we keep His Word in our hearts, minds, and mouths, we can use it to direct us in all matters and be triumphant and victorious in Christ.
In addition, the things of God will never ask us to compromise our integrity or our reputation. Instead, our decisions are to be those which will honor God and never blemish His character or who he created us to be—His children, made in His image.
Prayer: Lord, keep my eyes on you today. Help me spend time in your presence and your Word so my relationship with you will grow strong. Amen.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
There are seasons when God calls us to step into something new—a challenge, a responsibility, a decision, or even an unknown future. Like Joshua, we may feel unprepared or uncertain. Yet God's instruction remains the same: "Be strong and courageous." As you reflect today, consider where God may be inviting you to trust His presence more than your fears.
Journal & Reflect
- What situation in your life currently requires courage?
- What fears or uncertainties are tempting you to hold back?
- How does knowing God is with you change your perspective on that situation?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joshua 1:9 mean?
God spoke these words to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The verse reminds us that courage comes from knowing God is with us wherever He calls us to go.
How can I be courageous when I feel afraid?
Biblical courage doesn't mean the absence of fear. It means choosing to trust God's presence and promises even when fear exists.
Why does God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous multiple times?
God knew the challenges Joshua would face. Repetition emphasized the importance of relying on God's strength rather than his own.
How can I apply Joshua 1:9 to my life today?
Whenever you face uncertainty, change, or difficult decisions, remember that God's presence goes before you. You can move forward confidently because He is with you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the promise that You are with me wherever I go. When fear tries to overwhelm me or uncertainty clouds my path, help me remember that Your presence is greater than any challenge I face. Strengthen my heart, increase my faith, and give me the courage to follow where You lead. Help me trust You one step at a time, knowing You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Message from Kara
I think many of us love Joshua 1:9 because we've all experienced moments when we felt uncertain about what comes next. Whether it's a new opportunity, a difficult decision, or simply a season that feels overwhelming, fear often tries to convince us we're not ready. But what encourages me most about this verse is that God's command to be courageous is paired with His promise to be present. Joshua wasn't asked to lead on his own, and neither are we. If you're facing something that feels bigger than you today, remember that God's presence goes before you. You don't need all the answers to take the next faithful step. You simply need to trust the One who is walking with you. Praying that you'll find strength, courage, and peace in His presence today. With love, Kara
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Sunflowers | Personalized Scripture Journal
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