Courage Over Fear

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it... This is my command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Devotional Thoughts:
God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, but He does not tell him to rely on confidence alone. Joshua’s courage was to be rooted in obedience to God’s Word and confidence in God’s presence.

God tells him to stay focused on the instructions he had received, to meditate on them continually, and to obey them carefully. Joshua was stepping into unfamiliar territory, but God gave him two anchors: His Word and His presence.

The same is true for us. Courage is not ignoring fear. It is choosing to move forward while staying grounded in what God has said. When life feels uncertain, we do not need to chase every opinion or follow every emotion. We can return to Scripture, obey what God has made clear, and trust that He is with us. You may not know everything ahead, but you can know who goes with you.

Practical Application:

• Spend time in Scripture before making major decisions.
• Identify one area where fear has been keeping you from obeying God.
• Replace anxious thoughts with truth from God’s Word.
• Take the next step God has made clear instead of waiting for the entire plan.
• Remind yourself throughout the day, “God is with me wherever I go.”

Father, help me to be strong and courageous. Keep me grounded in Your Word and faithful to obey what You have shown me. When fear or discouragement rises, remind me that You are with me. Give me courage to move forward with confidence in Your presence and trust in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-Pastor Dwight