Joshua 1   Four times Joshua is told " be strong and courageous".  Three times this command is spoken from the Lord:

v5 -6 " No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous..."

v 7 " Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go."

v9 " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

The 4th time that these words are spoken, it is from the Reubenites, Gadites , and Manasseh - " Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous." ( v17-18)

What important words to be spoken to this new leader of the nation of Israel as they are poised to enter the promised land.. knowing that great battles lie ahead.  We can gain encouragement by God's promises to Joshua, for He has also said that He will be with us and not forsake us;  that He will be with us no matter where we go, and that we can succeed if we follow Him, being careful to obey His Word.  In the troubling days that our nation is facing - we need to be strong and courageous just as Joshua and the people of Israel were.  We need to meditate on God's Word, obey God's Word, and believe that God is faithful.

Heavenly Father, You are our Faithful Lord and You never change and never fail.  You have given us a command to love one another, to do good, and to walk in faith by the power of Your Spirit.  We are also charged to be strong and courageous - in Jesus Christ who has all authority in heaven and on the earth. Help us to hear Your voice, to obey Your Word, and to face the uncertainties of our world with Your strength and with courage that comes from faith in the One Who is ever faithful.  According to Your Word we ask this in the Name of Jesus. amen