Morning Motivation: Begin Your Day With Courage From God

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

This verse is familiar to many of us who grew up in the church. In context, this promise was given to Joshua after Moses died. Joshua was about to lead the Israelites into the promised land, which was a huge responsibility. While directed toward Joshua, this promise is applicable to us today as well.

What would it look like to start off your day truly believing this promise? Sure, I can say I believe God is with me and I don’t have to be afraid but do I live my life as if I truly have nothing to fear because God is on my side? Do you? Chances are, probably not. Why is that?

For me, I think it’s a lack of understanding of God’s character. What better way to get to know God than to spend time praying and reading His Word? I’m the first to admit my daily devotional life is hit or miss. However, I can honestly say the seasons where I make an effort to talk with Jesus first thing in the morning are far more meaningful than the seasons I don’t.

What would your day look like if you started it off with Jesus? And moreover, what would your day look like if you meditated on the promises of God? Many of us struggle to spend time in the Word daily. We know it’s good, that it’s integral to growing in our faith, and yet, so many of us fall short of this goal! Why is that?

More often than not, I bet it’s because you’re busy. I know I am. I’m reminded of Martin Luther’s famous words, “I have so much to do today that I’m going to need to spend three hours in prayer in order to be able to get it all done.” What a different perspective that is than our own!

Now, I’m not advocating for three hours of prayer a day (unless that’s what you’re led to do!) but the point is still very clear; we’re too busy not to pray. We’re too busy not to spend time with God in whatever form that looks like for you. Whether it’s listening to worship music and meditating on the lyrics, listening to a sermon, reading a devotional, or any number of ways that make you focus your time and attention on things above rather than things below.

Let this be an encouragement to you to start tomorrow off with God. It’s intimidating to start any habit, so I suggest picking one verse to meditate on – like Joshua 1:9. Ask yourself what it means to be courageous and how your confidence and trust in God grants you access to unimaginable strength. Day by day, little by little, you’ll build a habit. Moreover, God will reward your dedication, so keep at it!