As our nation and world seem to be racing out of control, it takes courage to even get out of bed every morning. We all have our own challenges and trials to face each day. We each have family issues or financial situations to deal with. Our economy is ever changeing and the political scene is questionable.
I can’t make it without the hope and strength that only Jesus can give. I have many wonderful friends, people I can call day or night. They offer prayer, comfort, and encouragement. I have a great husband and three grown children who also lift me up when I am down. But Jesus is the best!
Psalm 31:24 says, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all your hope is in the Lord.”
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to face your fears and conquer them. It takes courage to walk through life and maintain a good attitude because everyone else is grumbling and speaking doom and gloom. It takes courage to hold our heads up in the midst of trouble and criticism; to not let our situations overwhelm us.
When a young soldier finds himself face to face with the enemy, his heart may be full of fear, but he is trained to stand firm and take action. He carries out his duties and obeys his commanding officer. That is courage!
When our dreams are shattered or a loved one is taken from us; when we lose our job and the bills pile up around us; when our home is repossessed and our families torn apart, we all need courage.
When Joshua was preparing for the conquest of Canaan, the Lord spoke to him in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commaned thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with you whithersoever thou goest.” That’s a promise we can all hang on to.
Courage is a gift of God. It enables us to move through difficult seasons of our lives with some degree of peace and sanity. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will not fail us. We need not fear what tomorrow may bring, for Jesus is already there preparing the way for us.
Read Previous Post
