When our grandson, Jackson, was younger, his mom and dad taught him early to be strong and courageous. This old dog (me) needs to learn a thing or two from him. When he would fall and scrape a knee and wanted to cry, he was taught that while it is okay to cry when we are hurt, we need to determine if we really are hurt or not. Many times, the scrape isn’t so bad. They taught him to scrunch his teeth and shake his arm to get rid of the pain—I remember so many times when Jackson would fall, get up, looking like he wanted to cry, make a funny look and shake his arm—being strong and courageous!

We’ve all had those days… It probably started when you decided to pay the bills—yuck! Then maybe you got into a funk and stewed in it for a while. Diana reminds me about how Jackson would scrunch his teeth and shake his arm, so I do that, too—and I don’t even cry!

Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

The phrase “strong and courageous” shows up frequently in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua. It is used as the Lord is leading Joshua into the Promised Land, into the unknown, using him as a warrior when he was trained as a wanderer. When you are in uncertain times, it is hard to be confident, but all you have to do is (1) scrunch your teeth, (2) shake your arm, and (3) trust God—He will be with you.

So today, we give You thanks, Father, for continually pointing out new learnings for us, even as we get older. We pray that you guide us today and direct our steps so we can be strong and courageous so we can enter our Promised Land triumphantly!