Being Strong and Courageous: How to Trust God When Life Feels Overwhelming
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Have you ever felt like you had everything under control—until suddenly you didn’t?
Maybe it was a job loss, a hard conversation, a child’s diagnosis, or simply the crushing weight of your never-ending to-do list. In Joshua 1, we find a man who’s thrust into a season of overwhelming responsibility. Moses is dead, and God has just called Joshua to take his place and lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
Talk about pressure.
Joshua is feeling the weight of his calling—and perhaps even questioning if he’s up for it. He’s not just managing logistics; he’s shepherding an entire nation. And in the face of fear, doubt, and human limitation, God gives Joshua a powerful command: “Be strong and courageous.”
The Context of Joshua 1:9
Joshua’s leadership begins at a turning point. Moses, the revered prophet and leader, has passed away. Now, Joshua stands on the edge of the Jordan River, facing both the unknown and an enormous calling. The land ahead is full of enemies, obstacles, and uncertainties.
Yet God doesn’t give him a strategy first—He gives him a promise: “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).
Joshua isn’t expected to lead in his own strength. He’s not meant to carry the burden of an entire people alone. He is reminded that the God who parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and sustained Moses all those years is the same God who now goes with him.
And this is good news for us too.
What It Means to Be Strong and Courageous Today
In a culture that tells us to “hustle harder” and “dig deep,” God’s Word offers a better way: Strength and courage that flow from His presence—not our performance.
Like Joshua, many of us feel the pressure to do it all. To be everything for everyone. To manage our homes, love our families well, serve in ministry, and stay spiritually grounded—without falling apart.
But the truth is, we’re not called to bear the weight of the world. That’s God’s role.
Just as He reminded Joshua of His constant nearness, He reminds us today that we are not alone. Our strength is not in our capacity—but in our dependency on Him.
Encouragement for the Christian Woman Who Feels Weary
If you're a Christian mom, wife, or woman in ministry feeling the weight of your calling, let this encourage you:
✨ Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you. It displays God’s strength.
✨ You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to cling to the One who does.
✨ God is not asking you to go alone. He is with you—faithfully, powerfully, and always.
Remember, even Moses struggled. He stuttered, doubted, and feared (Exodus 4:10). But God used him anyway. And God did the same with Joshua.
He delights in using weak vessels for His glory—so that it’s unmistakably Him doing the work.
Reflection Questions
Use these questions as a time of reflection or journaling this week:
Do I truly believe God is with me and strengthening me in this season?
What burden am I trying to carry on my own that I need to surrender to Him?
How can I walk in strength and courage today—not by self-effort, but by trust in God’s promises?
A Prayer for Strength and Courage
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being with me in both the mountaintops and the valleys. Help me to remember that You are the source of my strength and courage—not my own abilities. Teach me to depend on You fully, and to trust You even when I don’t understand what You’re doing. In Jesus’ holy and precious name, amen.
More Bible Passages for Study and Encouragement
Exodus 3–4 – God calls Moses despite his fears and flaws.
Deuteronomy 7:18–21 – A reminder of God’s faithfulness in battle.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re weary today, let Joshua 1:9 be your anchor.
God does not call you to courage in your own strength—but in the strength that comes from knowing He is with you wherever you go.
You don’t fight your battles alone. You are never alone.
Meet the Author
Maddie Miller
Maddie Miller is a lover of all things creative. Both art-making and writing stir her soul and ignite her heart, to the point where her naturally-serious self is grinning like a little kid. Inspired by the Creator of all, she aims to share Christ's light and love through her books, blog, and artwork.
Aside from being a Daughter of Delight writer, she spends her time painting, doodling, and adding to her list of self-published titles (two books are currently in progress!). To learn more about Maddie's various creative endeavors, you can visit www.handiworksbymaddie.com or connect with her on Instagram here.
