The Power of His PresenceSample

The Grounds for Our Courage

If anyone needed courage, it was the children of Israel after hearing: “When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid…” They weren’t told, however, simply not to fear, they were told why they need not fear: “because the Lord, your God will be with you.” And again: “Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Yes, they needed courage. Courage, we know, is the ability to do something despite the presence of fear. Or in the words of Jill Briscoe: “Courage is fear that said its prayers.”

And courage is found in knowing that God is there.

God being with him was the reason Joshua was told not to fear when he was about to lead the people of God into the Promised Land. “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous…”

While you probably don’t need courage to face the threat of horses and chariots or to lead a people into a (literal) promised land, most likely there is something in your life that is tempting you to fear. Fear goes beyond the debilitating feeling of terror, frightened by danger because something bad might happen. Fear includes “an anxious concern” and “a reason for alarm.” (Merriam-Webster)

Do you have cause for alarm today? Maybe there’s an anxious concern weighing upon your heart? Are you worried that something bad might happen? Technically, these are all variations of fear.

The antidote for fear, whether for the children of Israel as they faced a powerful army, Joshua crossing into the promised land, or any of the myriad of anxious concerns you encounter in a given day, is to remember that God is with you. Just as He promised not to leave Joshua, He promised to never leave you.

You can quiet the voice of fear today by remembering: “God with me: the grounds for my courage.”

We hope this plan encouraged you. Connect with Cara Blondo of The One Thing Desired for more encouraging resources.