Be Strong and Courageous   

Song Introduction - “Be Strong and Courageous (Joshua 1:9)” 

“Be Strong and Courageous” is a worship ballad inspired by God’s words to Joshua at the edge of the Jordan River—a moment when the future was uncertain and the weight of leadership felt heavy. God didn’t promise Joshua an easy road, but He promised something greater: His presence. This song follows that same movement from fear to faith, letting the Scripture speak like a personal call: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Written in a Dark Americana worship style, the song carries a grounded “journey” tone—fingerpicked acoustic guitar, a muted heartbeat kick, sparse bass, and touches of slide guitar that feel like wilderness wind. The verses stay close and honest, like a weary prayer whispered in the dark, while the chorus opens wider with harmonies and subtle strings, turning sorrow into trust. It’s a song for anyone standing at their own “Jordan,” needing courage to take the next step, and a reminder that we don’t move forward because we’re strong—we move forward because God is with us.

Bible Verses Related to “Be Strong and Courageous ”

Joshua 1:9

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 1:7–8

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you…
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:7–8

…Be strong and courageous…
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Joshua 3:5

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

Joshua 3:15–17

…as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan… the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap… and the people passed over opposite Jericho.

Joshua 4:6–7

…When your children ask… “What do these stones mean?” then you shall tell them… “The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD…”

Exodus 14:21–22

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea… and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground…

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…

Psalm 77:19

Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

Hebrews 13:5–6

…“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear…”

Song Lyrics - Be Strong and Courageous  

(inspired by  Joshua 1  ) 

Copyright: Dandelion Praise

Verse 1

I’m standing at the Jordan’s edge, my thoughts are in the wind,
Tomorrow feels so unfamiliar, yesterday still pulls me in.
You call my name so gently, like You called Joshua before,
You don’t promise easy roads—You promise You are here once more.

Pre-Chorus

Write Your words upon my heart, don’t let my fear decide,
Let Your promise light the way and lead my steps tonight.

Chorus

You say, “Be strong and courageous,” for the Lord is by your side,
It’s not my strength that holds me up—it’s You who gets me through the tide.
I will be strong and courageous, day and night I’ll hold Your truth,
Step by step in faith I’ll follow, to the land You’ve called me to.

Verse 2

You made a path through Jordan, like the Red Sea long ago,
The waters rose like walls at Your word, and we walked on dry ground below.
You are the God of wonders, yet so gentle when You lead,
Before You do the mighty thing, You make my heart Your holy seed.

Pre-Chorus 2

Teach me holy reverence—keep my pride from blinding me,
Let me hear Your voice so clearly, then I’ll take that step with peace.

Chorus (Repeat)

You say, “Be strong and courageous,” for the Lord is by your side,
It’s not my strength that holds me up—it’s You who gets me through the tide.
I will be strong and courageous, day and night I’ll hold Your truth,
Step by step in faith I’ll follow, to the land You’ve called me to.

Bridge (Stones of Remembrance)

I won’t forget Your rescue, I won’t forget Your care,
I’ll set these stones inside my soul to mark You met me there.
When storms return to shake me, this is what I’ll say:
Your presence has been faithful—You’ve never walked away.

Build / Push

You split the sea behind me, You held the river still,
And in the trouble I’m facing now—You’re making a way, You will.
Make a way… make a way…

Final Chorus

You say, “Be strong and courageous,” for the Lord is by your side,
Though mountains say “impossible,” You’ll bring me through in time.
I will be strong and courageous, I will cling to what You’ve said,
Till I see Your promise standing—right before my eyes ahead.

Outro

I’m stepping out—not because I’m strong,
But because You’re here.
You say, “Be strong and courageous… for I am with you…”
Be strong… be courageous…
You are here…

🙏 Prayer After the Song — Be Strong and Courageous  

Loving Father, thank You for speaking courage into our hearts through Your Word. When You told Joshua to be strong and courageous, You didn’t promise an easy path—you promised Your presence. Tonight we bring You our own “Jordan River” moments: the uncertainties ahead, the fears behind, and the weight we’ve been carrying in silence. Please write Your truth on our hearts so fear doesn’t lead us, and let Your promises become a steady light for our next step.

Lord, teach us to hold on to Your Word day and night—not as a slogan, but as the strength that shapes our decisions and calms our anxious thoughts. When we feel tired, remind us that we don’t have to force our way forward. You are the One who upholds us, guides us, and makes a way where we can’t see one. Give us humility to consecrate our hearts before You, and faith to obey even when we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

And please help us remember Your faithfulness. Like stones of remembrance set in place, let Your past rescues and provisions be written into our story, so when storms return we can say again, “God has been with me—He will be with me still.” We choose to respond to Your call: we will be strong and courageous, not because we are strong, but because You are with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.