“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Does this verse sound familiar to you?

It is found in Joshua 1, verse 9 and honestly you can find it everywhere —on throw blankets, and wall hangings, on mugs and t-shirts. I have it on the cover of a notebook, oh and I also have it embroidered on a pillow!

Be strong and courageous! And as empowering as it is, it can also feel overwhelming because most days - the idea of being strong and courageous isn’t something that naturally comes to me. But here, sandwiched in this one small verse is a promise — the promise of the presence of God.

Why can you be strong? Why can you be courageous? Because it’s not in you or in me.

God was having a conversation with Joshua. The mighty mentor Moses had passed away and Joshua is now leading the children of Israel into the promised land. Joshua, like most of us, would have some insecurities leading over a million people through some overwhelming and terrifying situations. And God promised — I will be with your wherever you go.

You don’t need to be afraid. And knowing that God promises to be with us - we can be strong and courageous.

If you are reading this today and don’t feel courageous - maybe you’re feeling a little weak and alone, here is the good news, God promises to be with us. You and I, like Joshua, get to hold on to the promise of God’s presence.

So friends, be strong and courageous, God’s presence has gone before you!