In the first chapter of Joshua, Joshua is commanded to “Be strong and courageous.” The LORD commands him three times between verses 6-9. (The people will echo that command in vs 18.) Along with “Be strong and courageous,” Joshua is also instructed to “not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I often hear those commands quoted. What I seldom hear quoted are two verses around those commands that are equally important.
“Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left.” and “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” [vs 7b, 8]
Joshua not only needed to be strong and brave, but he also needed to be diligent to study God’s word and to obey it. God is clear when He tells Joshua, “…only then will you prosper and succeed ….”
Too often we focus on the “strong and courageous” and fail to realize that you cannot have strength and courage apart from obedience, and you cannot be obedient apart from knowing what God demands.
We must study and prayerfully consider the Word of God. Then obedience will follow and courage and strength will arise.