Be Courageous, Be Cautious, Be Confident – God Is With You
“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
As we step into the New Year 2026, we give thanks to God for His faithfulness that has carried us through another year. A new year often brings hope, but it can also bring uncertainty about what lies ahead. At such moments, God’s Word reminds us that His presence goes with us wherever we go.
A simple story helps us understand this truth. A young boy once learned to ride a bicycle while his father held the seat from behind. Nervously, the child kept saying, “Dad, don’t let go!” After a while, the father gently released the seat but continued walking beside him. The boy rode on confidently, believing his father was still holding him. When he stopped and asked, “Why didn’t I fall?” the father smiled and said, “Even when I let go of the seat, I never let go of you.”
As we enter this New Year, God may allow us to move forward into new responsibilities, but He never lets go of us.
Joshua 1:9 was spoken at a critical moment in Israel’s history. Moses, the great leader, had died, and Joshua was called to lead God’s people into the Promised Land. Before Joshua faced battles and challenges, God spoke a command supported by a promise. This Word continues to guide us as we enter a new year, reminding us that courage, caution, and confidence are not optional—they are God’s command for our journey.
Be Courageous
God commands Joshua to “be courageous” because the journey ahead would require faith and obedience. Joshua faced uncertainty, responsibility, and opposition. In the same way, many of us enter 2026 with concerns about family, health, finances, work, studies, and the future. Courage does not mean the absence of fear; it means moving forward while trusting God. True courage is not confidence in ourselves, but confidence in God’s faithfulness.
Courage often shows in small, quiet acts: getting up to face a challenging day, praying when answers seem delayed, making wise choices when no one is watching. Like David facing Goliath, courage comes from remembering who God has been in the past and trusting Him for the future.
Be Cautious
God also says, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Fear and discouragement can weaken faith and stop us from moving forward. That is why we must guard our hearts carefully. Even when circumstances do not change immediately, God calls us to remain steadfast. As we begin this New Year, let us be cautious not to allow fear, worry, or discouragement to control our thoughts.
Remember, God equips us for every challenge, but the heart must choose to trust Him. Refuse to dwell on what might go wrong, and instead fix your eyes on God’s promises. When Thomas Edison was asked how he persisted after thousands of failed experiments, he said, “I have not failed; I’ve just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.” Like him, we move forward by refusing discouragement and trusting God’s plan.
Be Confident
The foundation of this promise is God’s assurance: “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God does not promise an easy path, but He promises His constant presence. Our confidence is not rooted in our abilities, but in the truth that God walks with us through every season—through uncertainty, waiting, and testing times. Even when the path seems unclear, God’s presence removes fear and strengthens our steps. Whether at home, workplace, school, or church, God goes with us, guiding, protecting, and giving us the strength to face whatever comes.
As we step into the New Year 2026, let us hold firmly to this promise. Let us be courageous in obedience, be cautious against fear and discouragement, and be confident because the Lord is with us. Wherever we go, God goes with us. He may allow us to ride forward on our own, but like the father and son in the story, He never lets go of us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Amen.
Revd Prasad Vasanthakumar
Minister - London Tamil Christian Congregation
1st January 2026