When I was a little girl, my brother, sister, and I would play Nintendo in our parents’ basement. We loved the classics—Super Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and Tetris. But one game that really stuck with me was a Bible game called Joshua. The player helped Joshua conquer Jericho. And while I don’t remember all the details of the game, I do remember one thing clearly: a robotic voice that would repeat, “Be Courageous, Joshua.” It became a bit of a joke in our house. Anytime someone said the word courage, one of us would repeat the phrase in our best computer voice.
Now, over 35 years later, I still hear that voice in my head—same tone, same rhythm. But now, it brings to mind a much deeper truth.
“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.” — Joshua 1:9
God’s Command to Be Courageous
Isn’t it interesting that God doesn’t just suggest we be strong and courageous—He commands it? And He doesn’t stop there. He follows it up with, “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” He knows we’re prone to fear. He knows discouragement comes easy.
As a mom, I often feel weak and completely unqualified to train and release our four kiddos. I lose courage when I don’t see the behaviors, I feel they have been trained to do. I fear what lies ahead for the children as we send them out into this messy world. And I feel so discouraged when I face the same battles day after day—obedience, respect, responsibility.
But even in these exhausting days, God gently leads moms of young children (Isaiah 40:11), teens, and those into adulthood. His command still stands: Be strong. Be courageous. Cast off fear and discouragement.
Why Courage Matters in Everyday Motherhood
Look again at 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.”
Did you catch the power in that tiny word—for?
God doesn’t ask us to stand in our own strength. We don’t have to muster up the courage to make it through today. He will be our strength. He will be our courage. Why? Because the Lord our God is with us. In it all.
He is with us in the middle of the night with a feverish baby.
As we correct the same behavior for the hundredth time.
When we just want to go to the bathroom—alone.
In the moments we cry out, “This is not what I signed up for.”
Every single moment. Every valley. Every mountaintop. He is beside us. That truth alone is enough to silence fear and chase away discouragement.
So today, dear momma—Be Courageous.
Free Encouragement Download
To encourage you I have created a printable with six verses specifically created to help you be courageous on your parenting journey. Post above the sink, on your mirror, or in your prayer journal. I invite you to grab your free copy here – 6 Truths to Carry You On.
Wow…my God! I needed this post so bad as I've felt discouraged with having 3 little ones. I felt so overwhelmed and had a mix of emotions. Thank you for this post and for letting God use you to write this! God bless!
Maribel – Thank you for encouraging me in return. 🙂