Moses told Joshua,
"Be strong and bold;
have no fear or dread of them,
because it is the Lord your God
who goes with you;
he will not fail you or forsake you."
-Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and bold." Those are the words of God with which Moses encourages Joshua. The same words God would use to encourage future leaders of Israel.
They were words that Joshua had to hold on to as he prepared to lead Israel into the promised land. Because without God's trustworthy encouragement, the task he faced would be overwhelming.
We may often tell a child or a friend, "Don't be afraid. It will be okay. I'm here with you." And those can be comforting and reassuring words. But the truth is that we really can't do anything about the situation that is causing the fear. We don't have the power to protect fully.
But when God says those words, you can rest in them. You can let go of the fear and look straight into the situation you face in power and confidence. Not in yourself, but in God.
Listen to them again: Be strong and bold, be courageous. Hear God saying them to you in the circumstances of your life today.