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

When God repeats something, we should take notice.

The book of Joshua is the story of God leading his people into the promised land through the leadership of Joshua. From the beginning of the book, we find out that Joshua is a new leader, and God’s calling on his life is monumental. In light of this, much of chapter one records God’s words of encouragement to him. However, the message seems to be on repeat. Joshua is told to “be strong and courageous” four times, three times by God, and once by God’s people. And, three more times, Joshua is told that God is with him. 

Why all this repetition?

Joshua needed it.
We can only speculate, but he must have needed God to say these things to him... and then to say them again... and again... and again. Joshua needed to hear God affirm that regardless of the difficulties ahead, he would never leave him or forsake him, but would go with him wherever he went. God repeats to Joshua, “be strong and courageous”, so that Joshua wouldn't try to live out God's calling in his own strength. 

We need repetition too. 
I don’t know about you, but I need to hear this message on repeat. As I consider the weighty call of God on my own life, I need to be challenged again and again to live courageously. I need to be reminded that God is with me wherever I go. He will never leave me or forsake me. I need to hear this message every day: God doesn’t call me to places without going with me and giving me the courage and strength I need to live out that calling. 

What about you? Do you need the message of Joshua 1:9 on repeat? 
Where do you need God's strength and courage today?