Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7
Recommended Reading: Psalm 1:1-3
Joshua became a strong and fearless leader as he led Israel into the Promised Land. At first he might have been timid, given the enormity of the task ahead of him. Six times when Joshua was being prepared to lead Israel, he was exhorted to be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:7, 23; Joshua 1:6-7, 9, 18, NIV). And it seems Joshua got the message as we find him telling the people to be “strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25, NIV).
But Joshua’s strength and courage were to be tied to his observance of the laws of God. In other words, his courage and strength were not to be found in himself but in trusting in the promises of God to make him prosperous as he walked in God’s ways. It was the same principle later repeated by the psalmist who said that the man who meditates on God’s Word will be prosperous in whatever he does (Psalm 1:2-3).
Strength and courage come from trusting in promises that will never fail.
Let God’s promises shine on your problems.
Corrie ten Boom
