“Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:6-9, ASV)
As Joshua takes over Moses’ position as leader of the Israelite people, the Lord speaks to him with an introduction of what will be expected of him. As he speaks, he tells Joshua two things that are absolutely necessary for him to succeed as the leader of Israel: strength and courage.
Yet, God is not talking about strength and courage in battle, he is talking about something far more fundamental. God says he needs these attributes when it comes to keeping the Law. There will constantly be temptations to turn to the right or left hand, away from the laws of God, it will take both elements, and a meditation on the laws of God, for Joshua to overcome.
It does not matter in what age of time a man resides, it is never easy to keep the Law of God. Keeping God’s Word is never popular and there are always people and emotions pulling us in other directions, tempting us to make decisions contrary to the will of God. Only with strength, courage, and a reliance upon God can we fulfill all God desires in leading us.
Be strong, and very courageous.