"Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua 1:6-7

Joshua was given the responsibility and privilege of leading Israel into the Promise Land after the death of Moses.  Joshua had a big task ahead of him, which must have seemed overwhelming.  God tells him to be strong and courageous.  Joshua was to meditate on God's word day and night, and through this his faith would grow.  Joshua would stand in faith on God's word regardless of how he felt.  His courage, which was based on his faith in the Lord, would propel him forward as he lead Israel in subduing the Land God had promised them.

When we think of courage we often associate it with a mighty warrior who is oblivious to any danger or peril around him.  He feels no concern or anxiety as he undergoes and fights through any and every battle that comes his way.  Yet, this could not be further from the truth.  True courage is standing on God's word in the presence of dread and unease, trusting in the Lord regardless of how you feel inside.  Courage is based on faith in God and His eternal word, not the arrogant feeling of invincibility.  Let us be courageous in all God has called us to do trusting in Him and His Word, in the face of what our feelings and emotions tell us!

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.'"Isaiah 12:2