This article accompanies the Verse of the Day for January 28, 2026. Click the button below to watch the Verse of the Day devotional and sign up to get it sent directly to your email inbox every day.
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NLT
Have you ever found yourself repeating something your parents told you when you were growing up? Maybe it’s a reminder they often gave, a common phrase in your household, or a repeated reassurance you heard when you needed it. I can imagine these words you heard frequently back then are the ones you say to your children now. Years later, the power of repetition and consistency is clear.
In today’s Verse of the Day, we see the same thing at work, but in words God has spoken to Joshua that you may be familiar with.
God’s Repeated Charge
Joshua 1:9 is a charge given to Joshua as he takes over leading the Israelites to conquer and settle in the promised land of Canaan. Leading up to this, in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, we learn more about Joshua. We read that he was Moses’ right-hand man, led the armies of Israel into battle, and, as the second faith-filled spy, encouraged Israel to take possession of the land of Canaan. It’s interesting to note that, throughout many of the accounts of Joshua’s life in Scripture, Joshua was frequently reminded to be courageous and without fear, in one way or another. Each charge was reminiscent of Joshua 1:9, a verse so many of us cling to. In fact, in Joshua 1 alone, “Be strong and courageous” is spoken over Joshua by God (or others) four times.
God Knows What We Need to Hear
Let’s think about the task Joshua was about to embark on. Joshua was moving into a new level of leadership that was different from what the nation of Israel had ever experienced. He was treading into new territory—literally—as he led the Israelites to Canaan. What better words for Joshua to hear than those which God had spoken time and time again throughout his life?
When we’re reading Joshua 1:9, we are reminded that God knows what we need to hear. For Joshua, God let those words ring throughout his life and sink into his soul over time. God does that same thing for you and me. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit what He wants you to know. Maybe the words of Joshua 1:9 are ones that should be held close to your heart as you step into a new season. Maybe you need to be reminded you are loved and valued by your Heavenly Father. Whatever it is you need to hear, your Heavenly Father knows that you need to hear it. Ask Him to speak to you today.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God who knows all I need. You know what I need to be reminded of because You have each of my days before You. Today, would you speak to me and encourage me with reassurance and truth that is on time for my life? I may not know what the future holds, but You do. Speak Your words over me so I can hold them near as I prepare for what’s to come, even if it’s not totally clear to me yet. Amen.
