Joshua 1:7-9: Be strong and very courageous, and be careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.“
Joshua 1:7–9: Be Strong and Courageous by Trusting God
Introduction
Joshua 1:7–9 contains some of the most familiar words of encouragement in the Old Testament. God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous as he prepares to lead Israel.
But these verses are about much more than personal confidence. Joshua’s courage is connected to God’s presence, obedience to God’s Word, and faithfulness to the mission God has given him.
Joshua was facing an enormous responsibility. Moses, the great leader of Israel, had died, and Joshua was now called to lead the people into the land God had promised them. God did not tell Joshua simply to believe in himself. He told him to trust God, remain faithful to His instruction, and remember that God would be with him.
For Christians today, this passage offers an important lesson: biblical courage is not the absence of fear. It is the willingness to obey God and trust Him even when the path ahead is difficult.
The Bible Verse
Joshua 1:7–9 says:
“Be strong and very courageous, and be careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”
God continues:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
And He concludes:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
The command to be courageous is therefore closely connected with God’s presence and God’s Word.
Biblical Context
Joshua 1 takes place after the death of Moses.
Moses had led Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and toward the land God had promised. Now Joshua had the responsibility of leading the people forward.
God tells Joshua that Moses is dead and instructs him to arise and cross the Jordan with Israel.
This was a significant transition in Israel’s history. Joshua was not simply beginning a new career. He was being entrusted with a God-given responsibility.
God promised to be with Joshua as He had been with Moses. He also reminded Joshua of the land He had promised to give Israel.
Within this setting, God’s command to be strong and courageous makes sense. Joshua needed courage because the task ahead was demanding.
Yet God did not tell Joshua to rely on his own strength. His courage was rooted in God’s promises, God’s instruction, and God’s presence.
Meaning of the Verse
“Be strong and very courageous”
God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because he is about to face significant responsibilities and challenges.
Biblical courage is not self-confidence detached from God. Joshua’s courage comes from trusting the One who has called him.
The repeated command shows that courage would be necessary throughout the task ahead.
“Be careful to do according to all the law”
Courage and obedience belong together.
God does not tell Joshua to pursue success by his own ideas. He instructs him to remain faithful to the law given through Moses.
Joshua’s leadership was therefore not meant to be independent of God’s revealed instruction.
“Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left”
This is a call to remain faithful.
Joshua was not to abandon God’s instruction when circumstances became difficult or when another path appeared easier.
Faithfulness requires direction and perseverance.
“Meditate on it day and night”
Joshua was instructed to keep God’s Word continually before him.
Meditation here is not simply passive reflection. The purpose was that Joshua would “be careful to do” what was written.
Biblical meditation leads toward faithful obedience.
“The LORD your God is with you wherever you go”
This is the foundation of the encouragement.
Joshua’s confidence ultimately rested not in his ability but in God’s presence.
God was sending Joshua into a difficult responsibility, but Joshua would not undertake it alone.
What It Teaches Us About God
These verses reveal God as faithful to His purposes.
God had made promises to Israel, and He was continuing His work through Joshua after Moses’ death.
They also show that God does not abandon His people when leadership changes or circumstances change.
The statement “the LORD your God is with you” reveals God’s personal presence with Joshua.
For Christians, God’s presence is ultimately understood through Jesus Christ. Jesus promised His disciples:
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:20
Christians therefore have reason to approach their responsibilities with trust—not because every situation will be easy, but because Christ remains faithful.
What It Teaches Us About Faith
Joshua 1:7–9 teaches that faith involves both trust and obedience.
It is possible to want God’s help while resisting God’s instruction. Joshua was called to something deeper: trust God enough to follow His Word.
Faith also means continuing to trust when we cannot see everything ahead.
Joshua did not receive a complete description of every challenge he would encounter. He received God’s command and God’s promise of presence.
Christian faith similarly calls us to trust God one step at a time.
This does not mean that every decision will automatically lead to earthly success. The passage should not be treated as a guarantee that Christians who obey God will experience wealth, promotion, or freedom from difficulties.
Its central message is faithfulness to God in the responsibility He has given.
Applying It to Daily Life
Start with God’s Word. Joshua was told to keep God’s instruction before him. Christians can likewise make Scripture a regular part of their lives through reading, meditation, prayer, and obedience.
Choose faithfulness over convenience. There will be moments when doing what is right is more difficult than taking an easier path. Joshua’s example reminds us not to turn away from God’s truth.
Face responsibilities with courage. Whether at work, in family life, church, or other responsibilities, courage may mean doing what is right even when we feel uncertain.
Do not confuse courage with self-reliance. Christian courage does not say, “I can handle everything myself.” It says, “God is with me, and I will faithfully do what He has called me to do.”
Take the next faithful step. We may not know everything about the future. We can still seek God’s wisdom and faithfully respond to what is before us.
Keep Christ at the center. The Christian life is not simply about becoming stronger through personal effort. It is about trusting and following Jesus.
When Facing Difficult Times
Difficult seasons can make fear and discouragement feel overwhelming.
A new responsibility, financial uncertainty, family difficulty, career change, loss, or an unknown future can make us wonder whether we have enough strength to continue.
Joshua 1:7–9 reminds us that courage is connected to God’s presence.
God did not tell Joshua that there would be no challenges. Instead, He told him to be courageous and assured him of His presence.
That distinction matters.
Christian faith does not promise a life without trouble. Jesus Himself told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
When facing difficulties, we can therefore pray, seek wisdom, remain faithful to Scripture, accept appropriate help from others, and take the next step God has placed before us.
We do not need to know everything about tomorrow to be faithful today.
Reflection Questions
- What was Joshua being asked to do when God told him to be strong and courageous?
- Why were God’s Word and obedience connected with Joshua’s courage?
- What situation in your life currently requires courage?
- Are there areas where fear is making it difficult for you to obey God?
- What does God’s presence mean to you when facing uncertainty?
- How can you make Scripture a more consistent part of your daily life?
- What is one faithful step you can take today?
Related Bible Verses
Deuteronomy 31:6 — Moses encourages Israel to be strong and courageous because the Lord will not leave or forsake them.
Psalm 119:105 — God’s Word is described as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.
Isaiah 41:10 — God tells His people not to fear because He is with them and will help them.
Matthew 28:19–20 — Jesus commissions His disciples and promises to be with them always.
John 16:33 — Jesus acknowledges that His followers will face trouble but calls them to take heart because He has overcome the world.
2 Timothy 1:7 — Paul reminds Timothy that God has given a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.
Hebrews 13:5–6 — Believers are reminded that God will never leave or forsake them.
A Short Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithful presence. When I face responsibilities, uncertainty, or difficult circumstances, help me not to be controlled by fear.
Give me courage to follow Your truth and strength to remain faithful when the path is difficult.
Help me keep Your Word close to my heart and not turn away from what You have taught me. Give me wisdom to know the right thing to do and courage to do it.
Thank You for the presence of Jesus Christ, who promised to be with His followers always. Help me trust Him rather than depend only on my own strength.
Guide my steps and help me remain faithful to You today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion
Joshua 1:7–9 is a powerful call to courage, but its message is deeper than simply “be brave.”
God called Joshua to be strong and courageous because a difficult responsibility lay before him. His courage was connected to obedience, faithfulness to God’s Word, and confidence in God’s presence.
The passage does not promise Joshua an effortless life, nor does it promise believers automatic earthly success whenever they obey God.
Instead, it points us toward faithful dependence on God.
For Christians, this truth finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. We have His teaching, His promises, His example, and His assurance that He is with His people.
When fear comes, we can remember that courage does not mean pretending that difficulties are small. It means trusting God enough to take the next faithful step.
Be strong and courageous—not because you know everything about tomorrow, but because the God who calls you is faithful and Christ is with you.
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