What was the message you heard over and over again in your family? “Don’t forget…” “Make sure you…” (I’ll let you fill in the blank!) Why did you hear that over and over again? Because it was important, and your family loved you enough to make sure you got it.

God assigned Joshua the huge job of leading God’s people into the promised land. It would involve facing throngs of enemy soldiers as well as other untold difficulties. It must have been terribly scary to think about all that he would have to cope with. God knew that Joshua needed to be encouraged and so God gave him that precious promise found in verse 4: “I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you” (NIV).

We see in verse 5 that the assurance of God’s presence was followed by the clear directive: “Be strong and courageous.” God repeats the directive again in verse 7 and yet again in verse 9 where it is followed up with yet another promise of his presence: “I will be with you wherever you go.”

Then we see that directive “be strong and courageous” repeated in verse 18 only this time, it’s not God that says it. It’s the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh after they promised Joshua that they would obey him as they had obeyed Moses.

We too have the promise of God’s presence! We too need to step out in faith trusting God to be with us in whatever struggles and battles we face in life. Let me encourage you today: “Be strong and courageous!” And don’t be afraid to pass it on! We all need to hear the important messages again and again and again!

Lord, thank you for the promise of your presence with us. Help us to be strong and courageous in you! 

Mary Roller, Hickory, N.C.

Extended Scripture: Joshua 1–2