Psalm 31.24
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Scripture tells us to be strong in the Lord. It does not tell us to be strong in our own might and power. Indeed, the Lord says that His grace is sufficient, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12.9).
When we walk in His strength by faith, no enemy can defeat us. Here is what Scripture tells us about the source of courage for the followers of Jesus:
Courage comes from being forgiven and made righteous in Christ.
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).
“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'” (Matthew 9:2)
Courage comes from knowing and trusting God.
“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What man can do to me?” (Psalm 56.11)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27.1)
Courage comes from being filled with the Spirit.
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)
Courage comes from embracing God’s presence, power, and promises.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.“ (2 Timothy 1.7)
Courage comes from knowing the Lord is greater than the adversary.
“Be strong and courageous . . . for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:7–8)
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4.4)
Courage comes from knowing that God is sovereign over the battles of life.
“Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12)
“And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.’” (2 Chronicles 20.15)
Courage comes from seeking God in prayer.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 4.6-7)
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)
Courage comes from the example set by others.
“Most of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:14)
May we be people who are strong and courageous in the Lord. May we live and work by faith, not fear.
Coram Deo
