Psalms 31:24 NLT So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
When asked to recall God’s most frequently repeated commands, love one another, do not fear, rejoice always, give thanks, pray always, all quickly come to mind. But there is one that has been repeatedly spoken by God, angels, and men that is often forgotten yet essential for a God centric life.
Israel had been here before. Forty years, to be exact. They could have believed the two spies and trusted in the Lord’s presence and power, but instead they listened to the ten spies, who were filled with fear. The Israelites allowed fear to take hold and keep them from entering God’s promise. After circling the desert until an entire generation of unbelievers had passed, the Israelites found themselves faced with the same choice: trust or unbelief, strength or weakness, courage or fear, life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19). Anytime God calls us to step forward there will always be loud voices of fear. We must constantly choose who and what we will listen to. Then Moses spoke this life-changing command, “Be strong and courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God spoke “Be strong and courageous” over Joshua four times, David spoke it to Solomon, Azariah to King Asa, King Hezekiah to Judah, Daniel heard it from the Angel, God to Jeremiah, and many others. It is not a suggestion or a bumper sticker statement, but a command. However, God doesn’t define strength and courage the way we might think. As is always the case, the source is God’s presence and His promises. “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
When we recognize God’s presence with us, strength and courage are the result. Courage is knowing God has a plan for every event in this life—even the hardest ones. Stepping into any new season of life takes strength and courage, but if we are to ever enter our own promised land, the purpose and destiny God created us for, we must be strong and courageous. Knowing that it is God who gives us strength and courage, not ourselves. Sometimes we need strength and courage to stand alone and do the right thing. Other times it empowers us to simply ask for help.
While fear is often our natural response to life’s difficult and unexpected challenges, courage is ultimately an act of faith, because the courageous person acts on what is true despite the presence of fear or the threat of danger. It is knowing our God is greater than any circumstance or threat, “for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
There was an ancient war cry, a powerful declaration used by the Israelites as they marched into battle - Rak Chazak Amats! A Hebrew phrase stating ‘Be Strong and Courageous’. It is a rallying call that commands the will to stand firm, to hold the line, and to face the enemy with courage and strength. Chazak means to “cling or fasten.” God reveals that to live by His promises, we must cling to Him and be watchful for the enemy’s distractions. There is a direct relationship between His Word and strength and courage. Joshua 1:8 commands us: to observe-we are to keep, protect, and obey God’s word; to speak-constantly remind ourselves of God’s Word so we know His promises and how to live; and to meditate-learn God’s Word and allow it to transform our heart, mind and life.
God’s Word is just as true now as it was for Joshua. Whatever uncertainty you face today, cling to Jesus. Pray, meditate on His Word, remember His promises. Soon you will find yourself fully living in God’s promised land. Psalms 28:7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.
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Gary and Sandy Anthony
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
Joshua 1:9 NIV 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.
Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Psalms 27:14 TPT Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!
Psalms 146:5 TPT But those who hope in the Lord will be happy and pleased! Our help comes from the God of Jacob!
Isaiah 35:3-4 TPT Strengthen those who are discouraged. Energize those who feel defeated. Say to the anxious and fearful, “Be strong and never afraid. Look, here comes your God! He is breaking through to give you victory!
Psalms 138:3 TPT At the very moment I called out to you, you answered me! You strengthened me deep within my soul and breathed fresh courage into me.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Timothy 1:7 TPT For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, strength, love, and self-control.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Daniel 10:19 TPT He (the Angel of Lord) said to me, “Be strong! Be very, very strong! Do not be afraid, for you are greatly loved and a precious treasure to God. God’s peace is yours.” As he spoke those words, I felt strength pour into me, and I said, “Now, I’m ready to listen to you, my Lord, for you have given me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Psalms 73:26 NIV My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NIV Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Habakkuk 3:18-19 NIV I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
2 Samuel 10:12 NLT Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.
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