Greetings & Introduction
Good morning to all of you in the holy name of Christ. And I hope you are all well and growing in your faith. He who says, “Be strong, do not be afraid and do not be dismayed for I am the Lord who is with you always and will never fail you, to the only true God be glory forever and ever, Amen.”
Our verse for today, which we have taken from Deuteronomy 31:6, comes to us as a spiritual lamp in our journey of life. This verse is not just an ancient message but is still alive today for every soul that is struggling with fear, insecurity or uncertainties of life. This verse was spoken at the time when Moses, a great leader, was handing over the responsibility of leadership to Joshua. It was a crucial moment, the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Similarly, there are turning points in our lives where we need courage and faith to move forward.
The message hidden in this verse is as relevant today as it was then. It reminds us that God never leaves us alone, nor does He abandon us. This confidence is what strengthens us, and it teaches us that true courage is found in God's presence, not in our own strengths.
Let's dive into this profound and life-changing verse, take its words in pieces, discover the spiritual truths that flow from it, and then learn how to apply them to our lives. Finally, we will deepen our faith with a simple but heartfelt prayer.
Title : Be Courageous: You Are Not Alone
Book : Deuteronomy
Author: Moses
Chapter: 31
Verse : 6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor Forsake You. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)
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Deuteronomy 31:6 - Commentary
Be strong and of good courage - This phrase refers not only to strength of body but also to strength of spirit, mind, and emotion. Moses is not here reprimanding or frightening the people, but rather reminding them that their courage will come not from their own strength but from trust in God. Biblical scholars such as Gill and Matthew Henry call this “manly courage,” that is, courage that comes from responsibility, faith, and spiritual confidence, not just from combat skill or experience. When we look at the Hebrew words “חֲזַק” (Chazaq – be strong) and “אָמֵץ” (Amats – be courageous), it is clear that these are not just words of encouragement but clear commands. This is not a choice but a spiritual call, for when God Himself walks with us, there is no reason to be afraid, and it becomes our responsibility to be courageous.
Do not fear nor be afraid of them - Here 'them' refers to all the opponents the Israelites had to face in the land of Canaan, who were huge, powerful and protected by strongholds. But God says that no matter how powerful the enemy is, do not fear them. This fear could be rational but with God's support that fear becomes irrational.
Here "fear" and "be afraid" are two different words, which show that this fear is not only about the external danger but also about the insecurity, doubt and anxiety within. Thus, it demands a complete trust.
For the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you - This is our most central phrase, the real reason for the assurance that God himself goes with you. We can see that this promise was first made to Israel and Joshua, but in Hebrews 13:5 it is applied to all believers. God is not just present, He goes ahead, that is, He prepares the way, guides, and preempts the crisis. Implicit in this phrase is the assurance that God is simultaneously in the role of protector, leader, and helper.
He will not leave you nor forsake you - This powerful statement is a clear testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and enduring commitment. The word "leave" implies stepping away, withdrawing support, or no longer being present in someone's life. In contrast, "forsake" means to completely abandon, reject, or give up on someone. The repetition of these two terms reinforces a divine assurance that God will neither step away from us nor utterly. abandon us, no matter the situation. This promise wasn't just about their complete settlement and lasting stability in the promised land. In the same way, believers today can take comfort in knowing that no matter how uncertain or difficult life becomes, His loyalty is not conditional it is steadfast and eternal.
Deuteronomy 31:6 conveys a profound spiritual message, not just an exhortation to courage, but a philosophy of life based on the presence of God. It was not just for ancient Israel but for every human being today who believes in God.
Moses, himself about to leave leadership, testifies that leaders may change, but God does not. In every difficult stage of life, battle, fear, or uncertainty, this verse becomes an enduring pillar of confidence: “Do not be afraid, for God walks with you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Applying in Life
Deuteronomy 31:6 gives us a strong spiritual foundation in the midst of all of life’s fears, insecurities, and uncertainties. We all have moments in our lives when we doubt our ability, whether it’s a new responsibility, a difficult situation, or fears about the future. At such times, this verse reminds us that true courage comes not from our abilities but from God’s presence.
When we face difficult decisions or struggles, such as exams, job challenges, family conflicts, or health concerns, we need to know that we are not alone. God is not only with us, He is also walking ahead of us. This confidence can fill us with courage instead of fear.
This verse also teaches us that faith is not just a feeling, it is a choice. We have to intentionally be “strong and courageous” in the face of our fears and doubts in everyday life. And this courage comes when we lean on God, pray, and meditate on His Word. We can apply this verse in our daily life in this way. Whenever fear or anxiety comes to mind, say to yourself: "I am not alone, God is with me. He will never abandon me." This practice gradually calms the mind and gives courage. If we see someone else in fear or anxiety, share this verse with them. This is not just for us, but we can also support and inspire others, just as Moses did to Joshua and the entire Israelite nation.
Finally, this verse teaches us that the real courage of life is not in conquering something, but in holding on to God's companionship in every situation. When this confidence becomes our habit, even the biggest storms of life will not be able to shake us. Amen
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Prayer
LORD, my heavenly Father in heaven,
I thank You that You are a faithful God who never leaves or forsakes those who love You. When life brings fear, insecurity, and hardship, I trust in You. You are my companion, my guide, and my shield. Father, give me strength and courage to “be strong and courageous” in every situation. When I feel alone or when the enemies and challenges seem insurmountable, remind me that You walk with me and You lead me.
Give me faith that does not fear circumstances, and eyes that can see Your presence in every situation. Ground my soul in the truth that You will never leave me or forsake me.
Lord, just as You gave victory to Joshua and Israel, give me victory in the battles of my life. Not only over the external, but also over my inner fears and doubts. Give me a heart that simply abides in You, and a spirit that lives by Your Word every day. I pray for myself and for all those who struggle with fear or weakness today. Lift them up with Your Word. I pray with this faith, in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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