Be Strong and Courageous

 Be Strong and Courageous: Lessons from Joshua 1:9

“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.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

A Command Worth Repeating

What does Joshua 1:9 mean? Did you know that in just one chapter, God tells Joshua three times to “be strong and courageous”, and his followers echo it once more. That’s four times total!

I recently began studying the book of Joshua, and this repetition caught my attention. When God repeats Himself, it’s never empty. It’s an urgent reminder to pay attention. This powerful Bible verse is more than motivational; it’s a clear call to trust God fully and live courageously, even when fear comes knocking.

So why did Joshua need to hear it again and again? Let’s dig deeper…

How Did Joshua Get Here?

Joshua, whose birth name was Hoshea (meaning “salvation”), served faithfully as Moses’ assistant. Moses, the beloved leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt and guided them through the wilderness for 40 years, endured grumbling, rebellion, and heartbreak. Though he glimpsed the Promised Land, he wasn’t permitted to enter because of a moment of disobedience.

Moses renamed Hoshea to Joshua, meaning “The Lord is salvation” (Numbers 13:16). A powerful reminder that true deliverance comes from God alone.

Joshua showed strong leadership and unwavering faith. He was one of only two spies (alongside Caleb) who trusted that God would help them take the land, even when the other ten spread fear and doubt (Numbers 13:25-33).

Before Moses passed away, he publicly commissioned Joshua as his successor in front of all Israel, encouraging him to “be strong and courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:7).

Now, with Moses gone, Joshua had to step up and lead an entire nation into a land full of giants, battles, and uncertainty.

No wonder God kept saying: “Be strong and courageous!”

Why Did God Repeat It Three Times?

Joshua had huge shoes to fill. He had seen firsthand the grumbling, the rebellion, and the impossible challenges Moses faced. Now, all that responsibility rested on his shoulders. He felt the pressure.

God knew this, so He didn’t just give Joshua a motivational speech or an empty pep talk; He gave him a command rooted in a promise:

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Joshua needed to hear it multiple times: he was not alone.

His strength and courage wouldn’t come from self-reliance but from complete dependence on God’s presence and promise.

Bible scholars call this repeated command an emphatic Semitic triplet – a literary emphasis. Just like the angels declare God is not just “holy” but “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isaiah 6:3) or when Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17).

God was telling Joshua not just to be brave, but very courageous.

What Does It Mean To Be Strong and Courageous?

God wasn’t asking Joshua to muster up heroism from thin air. He was commanding him to draw strength from His presence and step forward boldly because God Himself was going ahead of him.

Be Strong

Not in your own might, but in the Lord’s. God didn’t tell Joshua to be strong because Joshua was weak, but because the mission ahead required divine strength.

Some battles in life can’t be won with grit alone. They require a supernatural backbone, a daily leaning on God’s power. When we try to do God-sized things in our own ability, we quickly become overwhelmed, burnt out, and discouraged. But when we lean on Him, we stand on solid ground.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit… He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1–2

 Be Courageous

Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s moving forward despite fear because you trust the One who goes before you.

Joshua faced giants, fortified cities, and enemies who looked stronger. But his courage, rooted in God, made whole kingdoms tremble:

‘…the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.’ Joshua 5:1

That’s the power of courage grounded in God!: your enemies lose confidence, while you gain yours.

Why Is Courage So Important?

Because it’s commanded, not suggested.

God’s commands aren’t restrictive rules; they’re loving instructions from our Creator. He knows how we’re wired and what protects us.

When we ignore His command, we malfunction spiritually. He calls us to courage because fear cripples progress and robs peace but, courage unleashes potential and honours Him.

In this world, you will always have a choice: fear or courage?. One keeps you stuck, while the other propels you towards God’s purpose.

What Stops Us From Being Courageous?

• Fear of failure

• Insecurity

• Comparison

• Doubt

• Trying to rely on our own strength

Look at David: a young shepherd boy facing a giant warrior. By logic, he didn’t stand a chance. But he knew the battle wasn’t his alone:

“You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)

David confronted Goliath in an inspiring and remarkable way. His courage wasn’t simply blind bravery; it stemmed from his personal relationship with God, who had already saved him from a lion and a bear. For David, this giant was just another opportunity to show that nothing is too big when God is your defender.

One of my favourite lines from the song “God Is Not Against Me” by Elevation Worship says:

“This is not my fight, you are my defence… this is my confidence.”

Confidence rises when you truly believe God is for you. I’ve seen this in my own life. I’m more willing to have bold conversations or risk rejection because I trust Him to close the wrong doors and open the right ones.

When you see God as your defence, you step out boldly, no matter the obstacle.

How to Be Strong & Courageous: Practical Steps

1. Meditate on God’s Word

Anchor your mind in truth.

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

Let Scripture drown out the lies that say “You can’t.” Replace it with:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

If you’re grappling with fear, click here to explore more Bible verses for meditation.

2. Trust God

Courage flows from trust.

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress…’" Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, God parted it first. However, when Joshua led them to the Jordan, the priests had to step into the water first before the river parted (Joshua 3). Sometimes God waits for your step of faith before He makes the way clear.

3. Obey and Take Action

Courage grows when you act in faith. Obedience invites God to do what only He can do. Take the next step, even if you feel unready. This blog is a product of obedience and action. 

 "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17 (NIV)

4. Surround Yourself with Courage-Builders

Walk with people who fuel your faith, not your fear. The ten fearful spies discouraged an entire nation. Only Caleb and Joshua stood firm.

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

“Miserable people have a way of wanting those around them to fail, not succeed.” – Louie Giglio

Practical Encouragement for Today

✔️ Stand on God’s truth: When fear whispers “you can’t” declare, “I can do all things through Christ.”

✔️ Pray boldly: Bring your doubts to Him, lay them down and pick up His promises.

✔️ Take the first step: Apply for the job, have that conversation, and chase your dream. If He called you, He will equip you. When JESUS says yes, nobody can say no. 

✔️ Worship when courage feels small: Songs like “Firm Foundation” remind me that my security isn’t in me, but in Him.

Final Encouragement

Being strong and courageous doesn’t mean you’ll never feel fear.

It means you move forward despite fear, holding tightly to the One who promised:

“So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you…” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Friend, whatever giants you face, whatever new season you’re stepping into, remember: God has already given you the courage you need. It’s in you, because He’s in you.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Stay encouraged, be strong and courageous!

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