Three times in just a few verses, God commands Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” This isn’t a gentle suggestion or a motivational pep talk. It’s a command. But here’s the beautiful truth: God never commands what He doesn’t also enable.
When God tells you to be strong and courageous, He’s not asking you to manufacture bravery from within. He’s not expecting you to be naturally fearless. In fact, the very repetition of this command reveals that Joshua needed constant encouragement, just like us. God knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
The command to be courageous is actually an invitation to draw from God’s strength rather than our own. It’s like a father telling his small child to lift a heavy box while he places his strong hands under the child’s, doing the real work. The child participates, but the father provides the strength.
Notice that each command is connected to a promise. “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land” (v.6). “Be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law” (v.7). “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened…for the Lord your God is with you” (v.9). God’s commands always come with His provision.