Courage, friends

In my devotions recently, I was struck by the Psalmist urging us to ‘be of good courage. (Psalm 27:14, Psalm 31:24). What does it mean to BE of good courage? 

Being of good courage means having the inner strength to face danger and difficulty without fear, and instead with confidence, calmness, and trust. It can also mean having the determination to not let fear stop you from doing something.  That can only be achieved if you trust that someone greater, more capable, and more prepared has got your back. People of faith name that person as God.

Here are some ways to cultivate BEING of good courage:

• Believe in God's promises.

God never promised us an easy life, but God promised to equip and support us through what comes.

• Remember how God has supported you in the past.

We so easily forget the past in the fast paced life of the present. But looking back reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the growth we’ve experienced through difficulty.

• Resist the temptation to overestimate what threatens you

This is the heart of what the Psalmist is shooting for: be of good courage is a choice. It means keeping a reality check on our fears. I find that having people to do the “real? Not real?” check in with supremely helpful in this process. Also, focusing on the scary things in daytime and putting them to bed at night helps too!

• Refuse to listen to inner lies and outer voices that diminish faith in God’s presence and love.

Truth is, our greatest risk isn’t listening to lies about God, it’s not listening at all. When we are fearful, most of us just avoid. We move from being of good courage, to being distracted, diverted, or in denial.  These coping mechanisms are no help whatsoever. In the long run, the things we fear will come anyway. Whether we are ready or not. 

An influential Rabbi from the 19th Century, Israel Salanter, said that courage must be cultivated daily.  This list is a start in that direction. There are so many things to fear, but God is able to hold us steady in the midst of them. May we not be dismayed or afraid, because God is always with us, always upholding and sustaining.

Be of good courage!