Anchor My Faith

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Author: Stephen Weller
1,358 words, 7 minutes read time

Be Strong and Courageous

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

Before we look at this verse it is important that we understand the context before we try to apply it to our lives. This verse is found at the end of the first paragraph of chapter 31, in which Moses is addressing the people who are preparing to once again enter the promise land. 40 years ago, they failed to enter because they were afraid and did not trust God to deliver them from the people they were to replace.

Moses is instructing the people to “Be strong and courageous.” In verse 8, Moses summoned Joshua, who would take his place as leader, and instructed him to “Be strong and courageous.” In particular, Moses instructs them to not fear or be in dread of those they are to drive out as they enter. The reason they should not fear them is because “The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them” (verse 3). “And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you” (verse 5). They have God’s promise of deliverance and in verse 4 they are reminded of previous victories God provided for them. Moses then delivers his summary statement of verse 6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Since we are not the people getting ready to enter the promise land with Joshua, how might this verse apply to us? Who are the people we fear? Jesus has instructed us to ¹⁹ “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Do we fear those we are to share the gospel with?

Jesus also made it clear that we would be hated by the world: ¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18 – 19 ESV). “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22 ESV). Do you fear those who might persecute you and are you afraid that you might deny the Lord?

Paul informs us that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV).  Are we afraid to live as instructed or do we tend to live like the world? Whatever it is we fear, the instruction of God through Moses is to trust him and enter our promise land with him. As with the people with Joshua, there will be battles, but the outcome with God is certain. We may suffer and even die in the process, but we have his promise that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us]” (1 Peter 1:4 ESV).

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

God’s Presence Gives Strength and Courage

Summary Paragraph

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses speaks words of strength and encouragement to Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land without him. The people faced uncertainty, powerful enemies, and the challenge of moving forward under new leadership. Moses reminds them that their confidence must not rest in themselves, Joshua, or military strength, but in the faithful presence of the Lord. God Himself would go before them, remain with them, and never abandon them. This verse teaches that courage is rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness. Fear loses its power when believers remember that the Lord is present, active, and committed to His promises. It is a call to trust God fully in times of transition, difficulty, and spiritual battle.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. Why did Moses tell Israel to be strong and courageous?
Answer:
Moses told Israel to be strong and courageous because they were about to face major challenges as they entered the land of Canaan. Strong nations and fortified cities stood before them, and Moses himself would no longer lead them. Humanly speaking, there was reason to fear. However, Moses pointed them away from circumstances and toward God’s presence. Their strength was not based on military ability or personal confidence, but on the truth that the Lord would go with them. Courage in Scripture is not the absence of fear, but faith that God is greater than what we fear. Moses wanted Israel to remember that victory depended on God’s faithfulness, not their own ability.

2. What does it mean that God “will not leave you or forsake you”?
Answer:
This statement means that God’s covenant faithfulness is constant and dependable. He does not abandon His people when circumstances become difficult. To “leave” means to withdraw presence, and to “forsake” means to abandon or give up on someone. Moses assures Israel that God would do neither. Even when leadership changed and challenges increased, God remained the same. This promise extends beyond Israel and is repeated in the New Testament for believers. It reveals the character of God as One who remains near, faithful, and trustworthy. His presence is not temporary or conditional but rooted in His covenant love and sovereign purpose.

3. How does God’s presence help believers overcome fear today?
Answer:
Fear often grows when people focus on uncertainty, weakness, or future difficulties. God’s presence shifts that focus from the problem to the Provider. Believers today face many forms of fear, health concerns, family burdens, financial struggles, spiritual battles, and unknown futures. The promise that God is with His people provides peace and stability. His presence means wisdom in confusion, strength in weakness, comfort in sorrow, and help in trouble. Knowing that God walks with us allows faith to replace panic. We do not move forward alone. Like Israel, we are called to trust not in visible security, but in the invisible yet certain presence of the Lord.

4. Why is courage connected to faith rather than personality?
Answer:
Biblical courage is not based on temperament or natural boldness. Some people may appear naturally confident, but spiritual courage comes from trusting God. A timid person who obeys God in faith shows true courage, while a bold person acting in self-reliance may not. Moses’ command was given to the whole nation, not just naturally brave individuals. This shows that courage is a spiritual response available to all who trust the Lord. Faith believes God’s promises, and that belief produces boldness in action. Courage grows when people remember who God is and what He has promised. It is faith made visible in obedience.

5. How can this verse encourage believers during seasons of change?
Answer:
Seasons of change often bring anxiety because they involve uncertainty and loss of familiarity. Israel was facing a major transition as Moses’ leadership ended and Joshua’s began. This verse reminds believers that while circumstances and leaders may change, God does not. His presence remains steady through every transition. Whether facing a new season of ministry, family responsibility, illness, aging, or personal loss, the same truth applies: the Lord goes before His people. He prepares the way and remains with them. Confidence comes not from controlling the future, but from trusting the One who already stands there. This makes courage possible even when the path ahead is unknown.