As a mother, I’ve often faced situations where I felt overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. The pressures of raising two daughters on my own were sometimes more than I thought I could bear. I’m sure many of you can relate—the sleepless nights spent worrying, the moments of doubt when you wonder if you’re doing enough or doing it right. It’s in these moments that a specific verse from the Bible, Joshua 1:9, has carried me through:
“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.”
I remember the first time I truly embraced the meaning of this verse. It was during a difficult season in my life when I felt utterly alone. I had just lost my job, and my oldest daughter was heading off to college. The fear of the unknown weighed heavily on me. Bills were piling up, and the thought of not being able to provide for my daughters filled me with anxiety.
Finding Strength in the Midst of Fear
One evening, after putting my youngest to bed, I sat down with my Bible, looking for a sense of peace. I flipped through the pages and landed on Joshua 1:9. I had read it many times before, but that night, the words seemed to leap off the page. “Be strong and courageous.” The Lord wasn’t merely suggesting this—He was commanding it. It felt like He was speaking directly to me, urging me to step into a strength I didn’t know I had.
With tears streaming down my face, I prayed earnestly, asking God to help me be brave for my daughters. I prayed for courage to face the unknown and for peace to replace my fear. From that night on, I began to see Joshua 1:9 as a lifeline, a reminder that I didn’t have to have all the answers or be fearless—I just needed to be strong in Him.
How Joshua 1:9 Helped Me Face Financial Hardships
A few weeks later, I got an unexpected call. It was from a friend I hadn’t spoken to in a long time, offering me a freelance opportunity that paid well enough to cover our immediate needs. It was in that moment I realized: God’s promise in Joshua 1:9 isn’t about eliminating our fears but about giving us the strength to overcome them.
This verse became my daily affirmation. I would write it on sticky notes and place them around the house—on the bathroom mirror, on the fridge, and even on my daughter’s lunch bags. Whenever fear crept in, I would whisper, “Be strong and courageous.” It wasn’t always easy, and there were still moments of worry and doubt, but I felt a shift in my spirit. The more I focused on God’s command, the more courage I found to face each day’s challenges.
The Power of Courage in Parenting
Raising daughters as a single mother, I’ve had to make difficult decisions on my own, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Joshua 1:9 gave me the courage to lead my children with confidence and to model faith even when circumstances were tough. It reminded me that God’s presence wasn’t contingent on my situation but was a constant source of support, wherever I went.
There were times I’d sit with my girls and share stories of how God showed up when I least expected it. I’d tell them about the job that came through at just the right time, the friend who offered help without knowing our struggles, and the peace that filled our home during storms of uncertainty. I wanted my daughters to see that, through it all, we weren’t alone. Joshua 1:9 was a verse that not only strengthened me but became a testament to my girls of God’s faithfulness.
How You Can Apply Joshua 1:9 in Your Life
If you’re facing a challenge today, whether it’s financial uncertainty, health issues, or emotional pain, I encourage you to take hold of Joshua 1:9. Here are a few ways you can make this verse a part of your daily life:
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Personal Affirmations: Write down Joshua 1:9 and place it somewhere you’ll see every day. Let it remind you that God’s command to be strong and courageous isn’t just for warriors like Joshua—it’s for you, too.
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Meditation and Prayer: Spend time meditating on the verse, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you need His courage. Use it as a prayer, inviting God to strengthen your heart.
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Share It with Others: Encourage someone else with this verse. You never know who might need a reminder that they are not alone and that God is with them wherever they go.
The Promise of God’s Presence
When God tells us to “be strong and courageous,” He isn’t asking us to be fearless on our own. He promises to be with us “wherever we go.” This means that whether you’re in a hospital room, at a job interview, or sitting alone at your kitchen table, God is right there, urging you to step forward with courage.
So, to every mother, father, or individual reading this today—take heart. Remember that the same God who commanded Joshua to lead His people is the same God who stands by you now. Wherever you go, He goes. Whatever you face, He faces with you. You don’t have to have it all together or be without fear; you simply have to trust that God is with you.
A Prayer for Courage and Strength
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your promise in Joshua 1:9. When I feel weak, remind me of the strength I have in You. When I am afraid, fill me with Your courage. Help me to stand firm in faith, knowing that You are with me wherever I go. May this verse be a constant source of encouragement and a reminder of Your unwavering presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If this message resonated with you, I’d love to hear your story. How has Joshua 1:9 impacted your life? Share in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another to be strong and courageous!