Holy Bible Online 
"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 (NIV)
Joshua received great encouragement from God. The mission of leading the people of Israel was a heavy one, as he had lived with Moses and seen first-hand the kind of leader he was. Perhaps he felt the weight of responsibility because he was the successor to someone like Moses, who spoke to the Lord face to face.
The divine presence is highlighted throughout the first chapter, as an encouragement and a promise. "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" (Joshua 1:5). Joshua soon had confirmation from the Lord himself that he would never be alone.
Sometimes, in life, we face difficult situations that can make us afraid. We are afraid of making mistakes, of failing and, just like Joshua, we can become afraid of not being able to fulfill the goal we have set for ourselves.
God is a God of promises. He keeps his promises. He has never failed and he won't start now. The Lord is faithful and promises to be with us "always" (Matthew 28:20), giving us direction, strength, and hope. We shouldn't be afraid of what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7), because we have a God who opens any path.
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The expression "strive", according to the Bible, means to be strong, endure, persist, and be firm. Joshua was facing a new and great challenge in leading the people of Israel. He was expected to be an exemplary, resilient, firm, strong, and patient man at the head of Israel. Joshua was chosen and empowered to fulfill the purpose set by the Lord.
That's why the encouragement, "Be strong and of good courage", sounds like a command and encouragement from God. It wouldn't be easy, it was an arduous task, but Joshua was the person to do it because he had already proved his worth and courage.
The same is expected of all believers. Whatever situation you're in, apply this encouraging principle to your life: strive, endure, persevere, and stand firm. The Lord is the Rock!
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (CEV)
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.”
Joshua 1:9 (The Message)
"Be of good courage"
"Be of good courage" is actually the most literal translation of the passage. The meaning of "good courage" refers to an idea of motivation, solidity, drive, and bravery. Good courage is what drives us forward, to keep going, even when we face adverse and contrary situations because without strength and good cheer, everything becomes more complicated, almost insurmountable and the difficulties pile up.
Joshua had been with Moses, experiencing complicated situations and, now in this scenario, he had practically all the tools at hand: experience, people with him, the Lord's instructions, the "Book" and the presence of God himself.
The Lord expected Joshua to be strong, persevering, solid, firm, and fearless, as well as having faith and trust in His faithful presence.
May our good God help us to face life's challenging situations. May he strengthen us and lead us with his good hand, always enabling us to follow and persevere. He also says to you today: be strong and be of good cheer!
See also: 17 Bible Verses About Gratitude For a Joyful Heart