Yesterday we noticed that God called for Joshua to be strong and courageous as he led the people in a very real military campaign to claim the Promised Land.

It’s one thing for us to think about Strength! Courage! as we fight our metaphorical battles. It’s quite another to think about it as Joshua did OR if you’re a Christ-follower in a war zone.

Christianity Today looked at the top ten verses most “read, shared, and bookmarked” in the YouVersion Bible app in Ukraine:

And look what’s in position #4: our verse! Joshua 1.9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Or, as it reads in The Message:

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.

One of the four Ukrainian leaders interviewed by Christianity Today offered this observation on the list:

I see three themes in this list of verses. The first is God’s comforting presence in 1 Peter, Romans, Philippians, and especially Isaiah 41:10: “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Another set provides the remedy against the fear and weakness brought upon us by Russian aggression. Be strong and courageous, we read in Joshua. Timothy contrasts God’s love with timidity. And in Philippians we are reminded that God will give us the strength we need.

But the third group calls us to the church’s role in a broken world. We are to express God’s love (John 3:16), seek his kingdom (Matt. 6:33), and, in the process, guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23)—and by extension the hearts of those around us as well. Our perspective on the world has shifted, and as the church inquires about the theology of mission, it is no longer the dualism of church and state—it now crucially includes society as well. – Valentin Siniy, president of Tavriski Christian Institute, Kherson, emphasis his

“Be strong and courageous” is “the remedy against the fear and weakness brought upon us by Russian aggression.” How’s that for a practical, real-world application of scripture to the challenge of life as it is?

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31.6, NKJV)