God Cares When You Need Courage

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

Joshua needed courage—after all, Moses was going to be a hard act to follow. Joshua’s task was to take over the promised land, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham hundreds of years earlier: “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:14-15). The promise was already in place, yet God helped his servant Joshua when he needed it most. God promised his presence with Joshua, and as a result, Joshua was able to be strong and courageous.

We face many days when we could use a little bit of courage. A tough task at work, a difficult conversation, a medical procedure, fear of the unknown, taking a stand for what’s right. God says to us as he said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• You can be strong and courageous, rather than afraid and discouraged, because I will be with you wherever you go.

• I will give you the courage you need.

MY PRAYER TO GOD
I know that every day is a training ground, Lord. I pray that you will help me to be an example of daily courage to others. I need courage to face the day ahead. Make your presence very real to me today.