📊 Joshua 1:9 | Strength and Courage

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Did you read Joshua chapter 1 yet? You can find more context of the chapter in Monday's email.

Today, we’re exploring the whole chapter and the point God is at pains to emphasize.

In today’s email…

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Have I not __________ you? Be _______ and __________.

Do not be __________, and do not be dismayed, for the ______ your ______ is with you _________ you ___.

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1 opens a brand-new chapter in Israel’s story — literally and spiritually.

Moses, the great leader and prophet who had led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, has died (Deuteronomy 34:5). Now the mantle of leadership passes to Joshua, Moses’ assistant, just as the people stand on the edge of the Promised Land.

The chapter begins with serious weight and urgency. God doesn’t give Joshua time to shrink back or adjust.

Instead, God gets right to the point:

This is God fulfilling a promise made generations earlier to Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3). The land was a gift, rooted in God’s covenant.

But the people still had to put in work to receive it. And that was going to take considerable courage, especially from their leader.

While God had already cleared many people from the land, there were still many obstacles in the way. And that’s why God repeats a phrase three times within a span of 4 verses.

After God commissions Joshua, the rest of the chapter shows Joshua stepping into his role: commanding the officers, reminding the tribes of their commitment, and calling the people to unity and obedience. Doing exactly what was commanded of him, and doing so strongly and courageously.

God was with Joshua, just as he had been with Moses. That assurance was meant to shape not only Joshua’s leadership, but that of the entire nation.

And so it’s fitting that the crowd echoes God’s words to Joshua.

As the people affirm Joshua’s right to leadership, they close the chapter with one last reminder:

Just like Joshua and the people of Israel, you and I are invited to step forward into what God is calling us to do with both strength and courage.

Today in 2026, God still calls His people to be strong and courageous.

Now, we may not be called to charge into battle like Joshua was, but for us, being strong and courageous may look like:

As I reflected on our memory verse, I realized something. You only need strength and courage when you’re doing something that isn’t “safe.”

If you always play it safe, you never have to muster up courage.

If you always play it safe, you never have to fully trust God.

But like Joshua, God doesn’t call us to “play it safe.” He calls us to be obedient.

📖 Reflect: Re-read Joshua 1. As you do, ask yourself: Where in your life right now are you “playing it safe?”

🤝 Act: Pick one place this week where fear has been holding you back and take one courageous step. Apply for the job. Start the conversation about faith. Invite your friend to the event. Volunteer for the role. Not because you feel brave, but because you trust that God is with you.

🙏 Pray

Father, You know how quick I am to seek safety and pull back when I feel afraid. Thank You for the reminder that courage doesn’t require strength of my own — it comes from Your presence with me. Give me the courage to take the next step of obedience to you, knowing that You are with me. Amen.

Click one of the options below to choose your answer. Let’s see how you do…

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