This lesson teaches children that God is with them wherever they go, so they can be brave even when things feel scary. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is always with me, so I can be strong and brave. I do not need to be afraid, because He will never leave me.
Memory Verse
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with fists on their hips, like a superhero. Say “Be strong” while flexing your arms, then say “and courageous” while lifting your chin. Repeat it three times together, speeding up each time.
The Story: Joshua 1 for Kids
Moses, the leader of God’s people, had died. For many years Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, and now a new leader was needed. God spoke to Joshua, who had been Moses’ helper, and told him it was time to get ready.
God gave Joshua a big job. The people had to cross the Jordan River and go into a land that God was giving them. It was a new place, and some of the people might have wondered if they would be safe. God promised that every place they walked would belong to them, and that no one would be able to stand against them.
God also told Joshua that He would be with him, just as He had been with Moses. “I will not fail you nor forsake you,” God said. He wanted Joshua to be strong and brave, and to keep God’s law close to his heart every day.
Joshua then gave orders to the officers. He told the people to get their food ready, because in three days they would cross the river. He also spoke to the tribes who had already settled east of the Jordan, reminding them to help their brothers before returning to their own land.
The people answered Joshua with a promise. “All that you have commanded us we will do,” they said. They wanted God to be with Joshua, just as He had been with Moses. Joshua listened and trusted God, and the people got ready to follow him into the new land.
Read It Together
Joshua 1:5
No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
(WEB)
Point out that God says “I will be with you.” Ask the children to tell you a time they felt safe because someone they love was close by. Explain that God’s presence is even bigger than that.
Joshua 1:6-7
6 “Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
(WEB)
Show the children the words “be strong and very courageous.” Explain that being brave does not mean never feeling scared. It means trusting God while you feel scared, and doing what is right.
Joshua 1:16-17
16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses.
(WEB)
Point out how the people promised to follow Joshua. Talk about how we can follow our leaders at home, school, and church, and how God wants us to listen to Him too.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Joshua to do when he felt nervous about leading the people?
- How can you tell that God was with Joshua even when things were hard?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how could you remember that God is with you?
- Why do you think God told Joshua to keep reading His words every day?
- What is one way you can be brave this week, even if it feels hard?
Activity Ideas
Brave Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and safety scissors. Have each child trace their hand on paper, cut it out, and write or draw one thing they are scared of on the middle finger. Then have them draw a big heart on the palm with the words “God is with me.” Hang the hands on the wall as a reminder that God is near.
Follow the Leader Walk
Clear a space in the room and set out a few pillows or chairs to act as a river. Choose a child to be Joshua and have everyone follow him as he steps carefully across the “river.” At each stop, the group shouts the memory verse together. This helps children connect the story with movement and remember that God goes ahead of them.
Take-Home Courage Card
Cut index cards in half and give each child one card with a simple sketch of a strong, brave person. Ask them to write “Be strong and courageous” on the back, or ask a parent to help. Encourage children to read the card before bed or before a hard day. This gives families a simple way to keep the lesson going at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God’s faithful care for His people as they face a new season of leadership and change. The repeated command to be strong and courageous rests on God’s promise to be present, not on human confidence. Joshua’s courage comes from trusting God’s word, which is why meditating on Scripture is so central to the passage.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that faith means we will never feel afraid or that God will always make hard things easy. The story shows that God gives strength in difficult moments, not that difficulty disappears. Help children see that courage grows from knowing God is with them, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us wherever we go. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are near. Make us strong and brave, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
