CSB
Havenโt I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
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.
ESV
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.
Memorization Strategies
Try one or two of these strategies to make memorizing easier, especially for dyslexia and learning differences.
God is with you wherever you go.
- Haven’t I commanded you: point one finger gently upward, like you are listening to God.
- be strong and courageous: make a strong arm pose with both arms.
- Do not be afraid or discouraged: hold your hands out in front of you like you are pushing fear away.
- for the Lord your God: point upward again and then to your heart.
- is with you: place one hand on your shoulder, like Godโs hand resting there.
- wherever you go: take one small step forward while sweeping your other hand in a small circle, showing โeverywhere.โ
Draw a simple path or road with a small person walking on it. Draw a bright light or a big hand above or beside them to show Godโs presence. Write โGod is with you wherever you goโ along the path.
Head Summary
God speaks these words to Joshua as he steps into a huge and scary job after Moses. Joshua is not told to be strong because he is naturally brave, but because God himself is with him. The command to be strong and courageous is tied to a promise: the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Heart Prompt
Together as a family, name one situation this week that feels scary, big, or challenging for each person (a test, a conversation, a change, a new thing). Pray Joshua 1:9 over each situation by name. When that moment comes, quietly repeat to yourself: โBe strong and courageous. The Lord my God is with me.โ
Hands Practice
Together as a family, name one situation this week that feels scary, big, or challenging for each person (a test, a conversation, a change, a new thing). Pray Joshua 1:9 over each situation by name. When that moment comes, quietly repeat to yourself: โBe strong and courageous. The Lord my God is with me.โ
Family Question
When has someoneโs presence made you feel braver, and how is Godโs presence like that but even better?
Prayer
Lord, You know the things that make us afraid and discouraged. Thank You that You never leave us. Help us to be strong and courageous because You, our God, are with us wherever we go. Amen.