Take Good Courage

"Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." -Psalm 31:23-24


How is your courage today? That may seem like a strange question. I thought it was strange for a while. My mom used to ask that question while us kids were at Bible School. I never knew how to answer, other than saying, 'its fine mom.' I knew that would get me off the hook. Since those Bible school days, I have learned what she meant. It is verses like these here in Psalms that showed me the truth behind mom's question.

Many times we meander through the events of the day just accepting what happens as it comes. There is no anticipation involved or hope that the Lord will miraculously bring you through the difficult moments. That is not living with courage. There are other days when we live trusting our own strength. We feel strong and independent. We don't really face anything difficult, so our perception of ourselves becomes inflated because of our "grand victories". But this is not living with courage.

And then there are days when we feel so helpless and alone. Our trials overwhelm us. Family and friends seemingly desert us. It seems that the day will never end and we will never make it through victorious. It is at these moments that we cry out to the Lord for strength and courage. We must realize that each day is a day that we must trust in the Lord. It takes courage to do that. It takes faith in God's promises to walk through each day.

God wants us to live with courage--good courage. He desires that we love Him and trust in His promise to preserve the faithful. He wants us to live with hope and eagerly wait for Him to strengthen your heart when you are weak. So take good courage. Trust in the Lord. Wait for Him and you will not be disappointed by Him.

All those times that mom would ask that seemingly strange question make sense now. She was just wondering if us kids were facing the day with our trust in the Lord or our trust in something else. She wanted to know if we believed God's promises and eagerly hoped in Him for strength. So let me ask you again: How is your courage today?

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

Joshua 1:7-9

"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditated therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Joshua had just lost his mentor. Because of his sin, Moses was not permitted to go into the promised land. He died, and Jehovah buried him. In Deuteronomy 34:9 it says, "And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him..." Joshua was Moses' disciple. Joshua had followed Moses ever since the Israelites were freed from Egypt, and now Moses was gone. Not only that, Joshua was expected to lead those stubborn Israelites into the promised land. I'm sure Joshua was afraid, discouraged, dismayed, and not feeling very courageous. 

But God had plans for Joshua. He was going to use him in great ways. So the LORD came to Joshua to comfort him and to encourage him. But He didn't just give him empty words. In verse 7 God says to be strong and courageous. But for what purpose? To obey God's Word. And why obey God's Word? To prosper wherever you go. So, if I want to prosper, I need to obey God's Word. 

If you're feeling discouraged, weak, sad, or depressed, be strong and courageous! Obey the Word of God, and you will prosper and have success wherever you go. Remember that God is with you at all times. Don't depart from His side, and don't depart from His Word.