Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9b
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Each new year brings with it the promise of fresh opportunities, but also the unknowns that life inevitably holds. In moments like these, we seek guidance and reassurance—something solid to anchor us as we step forward. This is why Joshua chapter 1, and especially verse 9, is such a fitting passage to reflect upon as we begin this year.
The Context of Joshua 1
Joshua chapter 1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Moses, the great leader who guided the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and through decades of wandering in the wilderness, has died. Now, Joshua—Moses’ longtime assistant—is called to take up the mantle of leadership. His task is daunting: to lead the people across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, a region filled with both promise and formidable challenges. This chapter is about transition. The Israelites are on the verge of a new beginning, but they face uncertainty. The land ahead is theirs by God’s promise, but they must step out in faith to claim it. Joshua, too, must step into a new role, trusting in God’s guidance as he leads the people forward.
Several themes emerge from this chapter, each offering wisdom for our own journeys:
- God’s Faithfulness : Joshua 1 emphasizes that God keeps promises. The land is already given to Israel, but they must act in faith to possess it. God’s faithfulness is not passive; it invites our participation. As we enter a new year, we are reminded that God’s promises remain steadfast, even when the path ahead is unclear.
- Strength and Courage: Three times in this chapter, God commands Joshua to “be strong and courageous” (verses 6, 7, and 9). This is not a call to muster up self-confidence, but to draw strength from God’s presence and promises. True courage is rooted not in our abilities, but in the assurance that God goes with us.
- Obedience to God’s Word: Joshua is instructed to meditate on the law day and night and to obey it faithfully. Success, in God’s eyes, is tied not to military might or personal ambition, but to obedience. As we face our own challenges, we are called to align our lives with God’s Word, trusting that His wisdom will guide us.
- God’s Presence: Perhaps the most comforting promise in this passage is God’s assurance: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This presence anchors Joshua’s leadership and Israel’s mission. It is also the anchor for our lives, offering comfort and courage as we navigate the unknowns of a new year.
Applying Joshua 1 to Our Lives
The story of Joshua is not just an ancient tale; it speaks directly to our experiences today. Like Joshua, we often find ourselves at crossroads—facing new responsibilities, unexpected changes, or daunting challenges. The call to “be strong and courageous” is as relevant now as it was then. Think of moments in your life that felt overwhelming: a child’s first day at school, a teenager leaving for university, a difficult medical diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one. These are our “Jordan Rivers” and “Jericho Walls”—obstacles that seem insurmountable. The message of Joshua 1:9 is clear: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God does not promise a life free from challenges, but He does promise His presence through them all.
Imagine a relay race, where each runner must faithfully carry the baton and pass it smoothly to the next. Moses ran his leg of the race with faithfulness, and now the baton passes to Joshua. The success of the mission depends not just on individual effort, but on the smooth handover and the team’s unity. In the same way, we are called to run our race faithfully, trusting that God is with us and that we are part of a larger story.
God does not deny the reality of fear. Joshua was understandably anxious about leading the people into unknown territory. Yet, God commands him not to let fear control him. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward despite it, trusting in God’s presence. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed, we can remember that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
The promise that God will be with us “wherever you go” is not limited to certain places or situations. Whether at home, at work, in church, or in moments of solitude, God’s presence is constant. This assurance brings comfort in times of loneliness, strength in times of trial, and hope in times of uncertainty.
As we step into 2026, individually and as a community, let us hold fast to the truths of Joshua 1:
- Anchor in God’s Presence: Remember that you are never alone. God walks with you through every challenge and joy.
- Align with God’s Word: Make time to read, meditate on, and obey God’s Word. Let it shape your decisions and actions.
- Advance in God’s Mission: Like Joshua, we each have a mission. Step forward in faith, trusting that God will equip and sustain you.
When fear arises, recall God’s promise. When discouragement whispers, remember His faithfulness. And when the way ahead seems daunting, step forward in faith, knowing that the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
A Final Thought
Joshua 1:9 is not just an ancient word to an ancient leader; it is God’s living word to us today. As you journey through the next twelve months, let this verse be your motto: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Learn it, live it, and lean on it. In every season, God’s presence is your greatest assurance and strength.