Be Strong and Courageous

"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)

I. Love. This. Verse.

I mean I really love this verse. The whole beginning of this chapter, actually. Three times the words "strong and courageous" are repeated. As a writer, one of my favorite tools is repetition. I repeat words and phrases for emphasis. To drive a point home.

I've always figured God, as the ultimate Author, is fond of repetition, too. Under His inspiration, most of the writers of scripture repeat those things we really need to know. Things we need to dig in to and hold onto. This is one of those phrases.

While the context tells us this was meant specifically for the children of Israel, at that moment, I believe it's one of those passages I, as a Christian, can cling to in times of trouble and discouragement.

Be strong and courageous.

God is with you WHEREVER you go.

With those words in my mind, in my heart and soul, how can I be afraid? How can I lose heart? How can I be weak when I have His strength behind my own human failings?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

• What am I facing that may undermine my faith? How can I use God's strength to bolster my own?
• When I'm faced with discouragement, is my first thought to ask God for help? Can I use an extra measure of strength and courage today?