Courage on command

Joshua had every right to be terrified. Moses — the only leader the nation had ever known — was dead, and the job now fell to his assistant, along with a river to cross and a land full of walled cities. Into that morning God speaks not comfort first, but a command: be strong and of a good courage.

Courage on command sounds impossible until you notice the reasoning attached. Not “for thou art capable” — Joshua’s capability is never mentioned. The whole argument is: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Courage, in Scripture, is not a personality trait some people are issued. It is the reasonable response of anyone who believes the promise of company.

Whithersoever covers today’s destinations — the difficult meeting, the waiting room, the conversation you have been postponing. The command still stands, and so does its reason. You go accompanied; be strong and of a good courage.