Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
The search for happiness can seem elusive. But we can enjoy a continual spring of inner joy by knowing the qualities that generate it and working on the skills to develop them.
For example, we know loving others and choosing optimism bring joy. Another source of joy is choosing to live courageously.
In Joshua chapter one, Joshua needed courage to face an overwhelming task ahead of him. God designated him to lead millions of people into the Promised Land. And guess what? Joshua was probably a bit scared–which might explain why being strong and of good courage is mentioned four times in that chapter alone! (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18, NKJV) But Joshua’s courage moved God’s people to where they needed to go.
See, courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is choosing to push through fear and forge ahead anyway.
Many people think, When the fear is gone, I’ll go for it. But that excuse keeps you immobile. Fear will always push at you; there is no outwaiting it. At that rate, you’ll be ninety-nine and still saying, Aww, I wish I was singing in that choir! or I believe this is what God’s called me to do, but I’m too afraid! Imagine what would have happened to the Israelites if Joshua had held that mentality!
In order to experience freedom and joy, living courageously means going ahead despite the fear. After all, feeling fear doesn’t mean you can’t do something; just do it afraid. And don’t worry–God’s with you through it all!