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2. Dive Deeper: Be Strong and Courageous (Joshua 1:9)
- Collected Joys
- Oct 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
About our Dive Deeper Series
Welcome! This post accompanies our newest book, Memory Verses in Action —created to help kids not only memorize Scripture but also live it out in daily life.
Each post of our Dive Deeper series includes extra resources for every verse in the book—featuring activities, songs, teaching videos, and reflection questions to help kids understand and apply God’s Word.
To learn more about the book and explore all the available resources, click here.
Dive Deeper: Joshua 1:9
“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)
In this verse, kids learn that God calls us to be strong and courageous because He is always with us. When Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites, God reminded him not to be afraid or discouraged—He would be with Joshua every step of the way. This powerful promise reminds kids that they can trust God’s strength and presence in every situation.
Below, you’ll find ways to explore this verse even more, including a fun activity, a devotional video, and reflection questions to help your family talk about what it means to be brave and trust God. These simple tools will help children remember that wherever they go, God goes with them.
Activity: Courage Cards
Create simple “Courage Cards” together! On small pieces of paper or note cards, write or draw things that make your child feel brave (like “praying before a test” or “being kind to someone new”). Add Joshua 1:9 to each card and decorate them. Keep the cards in a place where your child can read one whenever they need a reminder of God’s strength.
Additional Discussion Topics and Questions
In the Live It section, we learned: Joshua 1:9 reminds us that we can be strong and courageous because God is always with us. Joshua needed this encouragement when he became the new leader of the Israelites after Moses. God promised Joshua—and us—that we never face challenges alone.
Here are three key truths from this verse:
God commands us to be strong and courageous. God doesn’t want us to let fear stop us. He gives us strength to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
God is always with us. Wherever we go—school, home, sports, or something new—God is right there beside us.
We don’t have to be afraid. When we feel nervous or unsure, we can pray and remember that God’s presence brings peace and confidence.
Additional discussion questions:
What does it mean to be strong and courageous?
What does it mean to be courageous?
When do you feel nervous or scared?
Who is always with you?
How can you remember that God is with you?
How can you be strong and courageous when things feel hard?
What makes you feel strong in your faith? (the Bible, your church, your family, etc.)
Who did God speak these words to? (Joshua—and us!)
Who was Joshua leading?
What are the two victories mentioned in the book of Joshua?
Who can you encourage to be strong and courageous this week?
Devotional Video: Be Strong and Courageous
Instead of a song this week, enjoy this short devotional video that helps kids understand what it really means to be strong and courageous. It explains how God encouraged Joshua and reminds us that we can trust Him to give us courage too—no matter what we face.
After watching, ask your child:
What part of the story encouraged you the most?
When is a time you’ve needed to be brave?
How can remembering Joshua 1:9 help you next time you feel afraid?
Fun Video by Saddleback Kids
Here’s another great video to help kids see how this verse comes to life! This short Bible story from Saddleback Kids explains how God encouraged Joshua when he had to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It reminds kids that they can be brave and trust God’s strength in every situation.
After watching, talk about it together:
What made Joshua nervous?
How did God help Joshua be brave?
When is a time you’ve needed to trust God’s strength?
Closing Thought
Joshua 1:9 teaches us that real courage comes from knowing God is always near. We can face every challenge—big or small—with confidence because He promises to never leave us.
As you practice this verse with your child remind them that being courageous doesn’t mean we never feel afraid. It means trusting God even when we do. Encourage your child to ask God for courage this week and to look for ways to encourage others to be strong and courageous, too.
✨ Next Dive Deeper:
Wonderfully Made – Psalm 139:14
In the next Dive Deeper post, we’ll explore what it means to be “wonderfully made” by God. Kids will discover that they are created with care, purpose, and love—and that every part of who they are reflects God’s amazing design. Click below to begin the next lesson or visit our resources page for more tools that go along with Memory Verses in Action.
Our Favorite Kids’ Bibles & Devotionals
Looking for more ways to help your child grow in God’s Word? Here are a few of our favorite Bibles, devotionals, and faith-building books for kids! These are wonderful tools to use alongside the Memory Verses in Action series and to encourage everyday conversations about faith at home.
Please note: This section contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love!
This is one of our top recommendations! All the verses in Memory Verses in Action come from the NIV translation (except for Philippians 4:13), so kids can easily find and follow each passage in this Bible. It’s filled with colorful illustrations, fun facts, and “Live It!” features that help kids apply God’s Word to daily life. This is a great Bible for elementary-aged readers!
In addition to the standard version, check out this adorable personalized edition. Add your child’s name to make their Bible extra special!
➡️ Explore More Faith Resources
Please visit the links below to see all of our recommended resources:
Thank you for joining us!
Find more resources for Memory Verses in Action below.
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