The Bible is constantly telling us to be "strong and courageous". This phrase is used in numerous ways. We are told to "take heart" and "do not fear". Jesus even tells His disciples to “not be troubled”. Since this is something that we are constantly reminded of, it leads me to believe that the opportunity to become afraid is a common occurrence. Personally, this past year provided tons of opportunities to worry. Yet with each opportunity, I saw a different attribute of God. So, let's look at the word courage. Webster defines courage as the heart, spirit, inclination, desire, and will. It also says that courage is that quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear, or fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution. One Hebrew word for courage is "chazaq" which means to show oneself strong. All of these definitions are powerful descriptions of courage. As I read these words, numerous heroes come to mind both fictional and nonfictional. So, imagine my surprise as I considered the phrase in a verse in Psalms. It felt out of place. Let's dive into the context and see why courage is needed in that situation.
Psalms 27 was written by David. It is unknown whether he penned the words before or after his ascension to the throne. In verse 13, he speaks of a confidence in the Lord's goodness. To me, this statement seems more powerful if he wrote it before becoming king. Either way, David drew from his past experiences (the bear, lion, and Goliath) in fueling his faith. He knew that God had never failed him and that He wouldn't start now. Herein lies the paradox of the next statement. He is telling himself to "wait patiently...be brave and courageous". Why is courage needed in waiting? It would seem that David's confidence should be sufficient in reassuring him. Yet, he reminds himself to have courage (insert any of the above definitions).
Surely, every person can think of situations when courage is needed despite knowing intellectually of God's faithfulness. Often times, God will give us a dream or vision. He'll place ideas on our heart that seem big or out of reach. It feels as though we are standing in a valley gazing up towards a vast mountaintop. David experienced this is his life. He was anointed king at a young age, only to return to the fields tending sheep. His life was filled with highs and lows as he awaited the fulfillment of that promise. He killed the giant. He became the personal musician to the king. He fought numerous battles gaining the favor of the people. I wonder if he thought, "Surely this is it. Now I'll be king." Instead, he was forced to remain in waiting. He was separated from a dear friend. He spent countless nights hiding in the wilderness. A few times, he was nearly killed by the man he would replace as king. These difficult moments might have caused doubt. Would he ever become king? This is why David was constantly reminding himself not to lose heart.
Waiting patiently for the Lord takes courage. Sometimes the promises of God manifest instantly. Most times, they come after a season of walking in faith. Courage is needed for the valleys. When circumstances arise making you question whether you will receive the promise, it takes boldness to remain in faith. Like David, we must remind ourselves of all the times that God came through. Stand firm on His Word. Though the night proves long, the morning will come. You will see the goodness of the Lord. Be brave and courageous (show yourself strong).
Be encouraged! :)
written by Christa Martina
FB page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Psalms 27:13-14 (NLT) "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Comments