Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. -Deuteronomy 31:6
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be Strong and Courageous Because God Goes With You
Introduction
Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful encouragement to God’s people as they face an uncertain future. Moses tells Israel to be strong and courageous, not to fear their enemies, because the Lord their God goes with them. The foundation of their courage is not their own ability but God’s presence and faithfulness.
This verse was spoken at a significant transition in Israel’s history. Moses was preparing the people to enter the Promised Land, while Joshua was about to take responsibility for leading them. The Israelites would face nations and circumstances that could easily produce fear.
Yet Moses directs their attention away from the strength of their opponents and toward the presence of God.
For Christians today, the passage offers an important principle: courage is not the absence of difficult circumstances or fear. It is trusting God in the midst of them.
The Bible Passage
Moses tells Israel to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid or terrified because of the nations they will encounter.
The reason is central to the passage: the Lord their God goes with them.
Moses then assures them that God will not abandon or forsake them.
The command to be courageous is therefore connected directly to God’s presence. Israel is not being told that the future will be effortless. They are being reminded that they will not face it alone.
This distinction is important. The passage does not promise that God’s people will experience no opposition or difficulty. It teaches them where their confidence should be placed when opposition comes.
Biblical Context
Deuteronomy 31 occurs near the end of Moses’ leadership.
Israel had spent years in the wilderness following their exodus from Egypt. Moses was now preparing the people for their entry into the land God had promised to their ancestors.
Moses tells Israel that he will not cross the Jordan with them. Joshua will lead them instead.
This was a major transition. The people would have to move forward under new leadership and face the peoples living in the land.
In verses 3–5, Moses tells them that the Lord Himself will go ahead of them and that the nations they encounter will be dealt with according to God’s purposes.
Verse 6 then addresses the whole community and calls them to courage.
Immediately afterward, Moses gives Joshua a similar command in verse 7. The same theme continues in verse 8: God will go before Joshua and will not leave or forsake him.
The repetition shows that courage was not based on Moses remaining with Israel. Their confidence rested on God’s continuing presence.
Meaning of the Passage
“Be Strong and Courageous”
The command recognizes that Israel would have reasons to feel afraid.
Courage would be necessary precisely because there were real challenges ahead.
Biblical courage is therefore not pretending that danger does not exist. It is choosing faithfulness despite fear.
For Christians, courage may involve obeying God when obedience is difficult, speaking truth with humility, resisting temptation, accepting responsibility, or continuing faithfully when the future is uncertain.
Strength in this context is not simply physical power. It involves steadfastness and determination to move forward according to God’s purposes.
“Do Not Be Afraid or Terrified”
Moses does not deny the possibility of fear. Instead, he tells Israel not to allow fear of their enemies to determine their response.
Fear can become controlling when we focus entirely on the size of a problem and forget the character of God.
The passage redirects attention.
Instead of asking only, “How powerful are the people we are facing?” Israel is reminded to consider, “Who is going with us?”
“The Lord Your God Goes With You”
This is the foundation of the command.
Israel’s confidence was not ultimately in military ability, leadership, or human resources. It was in God.
The statement also emphasizes relationship: the Lord your God.
God had already established a covenant relationship with Israel and demonstrated His faithfulness throughout their history.
“He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You”
The final assurance emphasizes God’s faithfulness.
Israel was entering a new stage, but God was not abandoning them.
This does not mean that every individual Israelite would experience an easy life. The Old Testament records many hardships, failures, and consequences of disobedience.
The promise concerns God’s faithfulness to His people and His continuing presence as they move forward according to His purposes.
What It Teaches About God
Deuteronomy 31:6 reveals God as faithful and present with His people.
He does not simply give commands and then disappear. He accompanies His people.
The passage also shows that God’s faithfulness is not dependent upon one particular human leader. Moses was departing, Joshua was taking leadership, but God’s presence remained.
This provides an important perspective on human transitions. Leaders, circumstances, workplaces, relationships, and seasons of life can change. God’s faithfulness remains the foundation of His people’s hope.
For Christians, this theme is consistent with Jesus’ promise to His disciples that He would be with them always as they carried out His mission.
What It Teaches About Faith
Faith involves trusting God when the future cannot be fully seen.
Israel did not know every detail of what would happen after crossing the Jordan. Yet they were commanded to move forward in trust.
Faith does not mean assuming that everything will happen according to our preferred plans. Instead, it means trusting God enough to obey Him even when the outcome is uncertain.
The passage also shows that courage and dependence upon God belong together.
Christian courage is not self-confidence that says, “I can handle everything.”
It is God-centered confidence that says, “I do not know everything about what lies ahead, but I can trust God and remain faithful.”
Applying It to Daily Life
Face responsibilities with courage. New responsibilities can create uncertainty. Instead of allowing fear to make every decision, seek God’s wisdom and take faithful steps.
Remember God’s presence. When facing an unfamiliar situation, deliberately remind yourself that your relationship with God does not disappear simply because circumstances change.
Do not let fear become your guide. Fear can provide useful awareness, but it should not automatically determine our choices. Bring fear to God and evaluate decisions through Scripture and wisdom.
Prepare faithfully. Trusting God does not mean ignoring practical preparation. Israel was still required to move forward, follow God’s instructions, and act responsibly.
Remember previous faithfulness. Israel had a long history of God’s provision and guidance. Remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen trust during transitions.
Encourage others. Moses encouraged the people and Joshua. Christians can similarly strengthen others through prayer, Scripture, practical support, and words of encouragement.
Responding to Difficult Circumstances
Difficult circumstances can make God’s presence feel less obvious.
A person may face financial uncertainty, family pressures, career changes, conflict, disappointment, or an unknown future. In such moments, Deuteronomy 31:6 can redirect attention from fear toward God.
However, the verse should not be used to promise that every difficulty will disappear.
God’s presence does not mean that His people will never experience suffering. Scripture itself records many faithful people who endured hardship.
The encouragement is deeper: hardship does not mean that God has abandoned His people.
When circumstances are difficult, Christians can pray honestly, seek wise counsel, follow Scripture, take appropriate practical steps, and continue trusting God.
Courage may sometimes mean moving forward despite fear rather than waiting until every uncertainty disappears.
Reflection Questions
- What fears are currently influencing your decisions?
- How does God’s presence change the way you view those fears?
- What does biblical courage look like in your present circumstances?
- Are you relying primarily on your own strength or on God?
- What examples of God’s faithfulness can you remember from your past?
- Is there a step of obedience you have been avoiding because of fear?
- How can you encourage someone else who is facing an uncertain season?
Related Bible Verses
- Deuteronomy 31:7–8 — Moses gives Joshua the same encouragement and reminds him that God goes before him.
- Joshua 1:9 — Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with him.
- Isaiah 41:10 — God tells His people not to fear because He is with them and will strengthen them.
- Psalm 23:4 — The psalmist finds courage even in the darkest valley because God is with him.
- Matthew 28:20 — Jesus promises His disciples His continuing presence.
- Hebrews 13:5–6 — Believers are encouraged by God’s promise not to leave or forsake them.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — Paul reminds Timothy that God gives a spirit associated with power, love, and self-control rather than fear.
A Short Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and Your presence with Your people. When I face uncertainty, help me not to be controlled by fear. Give me strength and courage to obey You and take the steps You have placed before me. Help me remember that I do not need to know everything about the future in order to trust You today. Give me wisdom for difficult decisions and help me encourage others who are afraid. Keep my heart firmly anchored in You. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 31:6 was spoken at a major transition in Israel’s history. Moses was preparing the people to move forward without him, and Joshua would assume leadership. The challenges ahead were real, but Moses reminded Israel that their confidence did not depend on human strength or leadership alone.
God was going with them.
That truth is the foundation of the command to be strong and courageous.
For Christians, the passage provides a valuable pattern for facing uncertainty. Courage does not mean denying fear or pretending that difficulties are insignificant. It means refusing to allow fear to become the final authority over our lives.
God’s presence does not guarantee a life without hardship, nor does this passage promise a particular earthly outcome. Instead, it reminds believers that changing circumstances do not change God’s faithfulness.
When the future is uncertain, we can seek God’s wisdom, follow His Word, take responsible steps, and continue forward in faith.
The call remains clear: be strong, be courageous, and do not allow fear to control you. Remember who goes with you.
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