“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

I continue to be amazed at how many times the Bible tells us to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid. Most of the time, it is God Himself speaking, but in this passage it is Moses who is speaking to the people of Israel. This passage of Scripture is Moses’ farewell to the people of Israel. He is also preparing them for what lies ahead.

At least two things stand out about these many passages of Scripture about not being afraid.

First, courage is what you choose rather than something you feel. God commanded Joshua to be courageous as Moses commanded the people to be strong and courageous. We often get caught up in feelings as if we don’t have a part in what we do, but this is not the case. We get to choose. Therefore, choose courage and shun fear.

Second, the reason why we can be courageous is our knowing that our God goes with us. As you read Deuteronomy 31:6 or Joshua 1:9, notice that the reason for our courage is the presence of God.

“He will not fail you or forsake you.”