Moses told 40 soldiers to have “good courage” when they went to spy out a land God would give them. Many of them were afraid. There were giants in the land, and they felt like grasshoppers. Their fear was real – but God promised to be with them and give them victory.
We live in days of unprecedented anxiety for good reason. But God tells us to have “good courage” because courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it in the promises and presence of our Savior.
God told Joshua to have “good courage” when he became the military leader to conquer the Promised Land… “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them.” Then He told Joshua ‘how’ and ‘why’ he could face such a daunting task… “For the Lord your God, it is He who goes with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In the New Testament, the equivalent to “be of good courage” is translated “confidence” and “boldness.” We see it in this passage from Hebrews… “He has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you,” so that we may BOLDLY say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me” – (Hebrews 13:6).
When Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, He has promised to go before us, guide our steps, and work all things together for our good and His glory. One day soon, evil will be no more, Christ will return in power, all wrongs will be made right, and we will “ever be with the Lord.” Can you hear Him say, ‘Lo, I am with you always’?
Be of good courage.
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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