“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9
Reflection
The word “commanded” in Hebrew is ṣāwâ, which means to give a charge, appoint, or order with authority. This shows that courage is not a suggestion or a gentle encouragement; it is a divine order. God does not give us the luxury of choosing whether to be courageous or not. He has commanded us to live boldly because His presence ensures our victory.
Children of God are deeply tied to Him. He has invested His Spirit in us (Romans 8:11), making it His responsibility to ensure our success, growth, and flourishing. Yet, He requires us to act in faith and courage. Our courage is evidence of our trust in Him.
Peter exemplified this when he stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:29). The moment he fixed his eyes on Christ in courage, he did the impossible. Fear only entered when he looked away. Likewise, we are called to face life’s uncertainties with boldness, knowing that God goes before us.
Strength and courage are not rooted in human ability but in God’s unfailing presence: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — Isaiah 41:10
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for commanding me to be strong and courageous. I refuse to walk in fear, for You are with me always. Strengthen my faith, keep my eyes on You, and empower me to step boldly into every assignment You’ve placed before me. May my courage glorify Your name and inspire others to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Deuteronomy 31:6
-
2 Timothy 1:7
-
Psalm 27:1
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
11 September, 2025
Courage Is a command, not an option
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9
Reflection
The word “commanded” in Hebrew is ṣāwâ, which means to give a charge, appoint, or order with authority. This shows that courage is not a suggestion or a gentle encouragement; it is a divine order. God does not give us the luxury of choosing whether to be courageous or not. He has commanded us to live boldly because His presence ensures our victory.
Children of God are deeply tied to Him. He has invested His Spirit in us (Romans 8:11), making it His responsibility to ensure our success, growth, and flourishing. Yet, He requires us to act in faith and courage. Our courage is evidence of our trust in Him.
Peter exemplified this when he stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:29). The moment he fixed his eyes on Christ in courage, he did the impossible. Fear only entered when he looked away. Likewise, we are called to face life’s uncertainties with boldness, knowing that God goes before us.
Strength and courage are not rooted in human ability but in God’s unfailing presence: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — Isaiah 41:10
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for commanding me to be strong and courageous. I refuse to walk in fear, for You are with me always. Strengthen my faith, keep my eyes on You, and empower me to step boldly into every assignment You’ve placed before me. May my courage glorify Your name and inspire others to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Deuteronomy 31:6
-
2 Timothy 1:7
-
Psalm 27:1
