Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6
This is a resounding call to courage. Israel is about to face a formidable future, and Moses reassures them that the Lord accompanies them personally: the one who goes with them will not fail or forsake them. The imperative “be strong and courageous” is a refrain throughout Deuteronomy and is grounded in God’s presence. It also underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people—divine companionship as the source of strength.
God’s presence is the guarantee of success; courage is grounded in relationship with God, not merely in human resources. It emphasizes divine faithfulness and the call to trust God even when the path is uncertain. The verse also demarcates a shift from Moses’ leadership to Joshua, yet the same faithful God remains.
For today’s believers, this verse invites bold, faithful action in the face of fear. Practical steps: identify fears—failure, rejection, the unknown—and counter them with prayer, Scripture, and communal support. Build routines that remind you God is with you: morning devotion, accountability partners, and practical plans for moving forward in your calling, whether in parenting, work, or ministry.
Cross-References: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:14; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Timothy 1:7