January 7th, 2026
Read Joshua 1:1-9 NIV
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 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.”
Key Verses Joshua 1:6-7
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
“Be strong and courageous” is repeated 3 times by God to Joshua as He gives him further direction. God is reminding Joshua of what he learned from Moses – to stay focused, meditate, and trust what he knows. What the Lord is doing will guarantee prosperity and success. God instructs Joshua to follow His commands, acknowledging that to trust in Him, Joshua must be strong and courageous. The Lord reminds Joshua that he should not rely on himself, for he is not alone. Joshua’s true strength lies in trusting in the mighty power of God, who is always with him wherever he goes.
The fact that the phrase, “Be strong and courageous,” is repeated 3 times is very significant to me, and prompts me to pray for the Lord to affirm my decisions in 3 different ways…3 different times, before I take any action. I am not typically strong or courageous on my own, but knowing the Lord is with me wherever I go brings me such comfort and overall peace. Peace was my word for 2025, and the Lord led me in so many directions, proving peace in every prayer. He is definitely the peacemaker! I believe these words spoken to Joshua were meant to bring him peace and reassurance.
How has the Lord spoken to you and given you peace in your decisions to step out in courage, knowing He is always with you?
