Being of good courage is an important theme in the Bible. Psalm 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”. This verse encourages us to find courage and strength in God even in difficult times. Here are some key reasons why we should be of good courage according to the Bible:
God is with us
One of the main reasons we can be of good courage is that God promises to be with us always. We do not have to face difficulties alone. Passages like Deuteronomy 31:6 remind us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus also promises his continual presence in Matthew 28:20 when he says “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Knowing that an all-powerful and loving God is by our side gives us courage to press on.
God will strengthen us
Not only is God with us, but he also promises to strengthen us when we feel weak. Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We can be courageous knowing that God’s strength will sustain us in our weakness. As Paul says in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
God will help us
Along with strengthening us, God also promises to actively help us in times of need. The Psalms are full of verses testifying to God’s timely help, such as Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We can have courage knowing that God is ready and willing to help.
God has overcome the world
On a broader scale, we can be courageous because Jesus Christ has ultimately conquered sin, death and all the forces of evil in this world through his crucifixion and resurrection. John 16:33 records Jesus’ words to his disciples: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” No matter what hardships we face, we know Christ has triumphed over the world.
God promises eternal life
Our hope extends beyond this life. God promises that for those who put their faith in Christ, death is not the end. John 11:25-26 has Jesus declaring “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” The promise of eternal life with God after death emboldens us to face earthly troubles and trials. Our present sufferings are temporary and light compared to the glory to come (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Courage brings blessings
The Bible connects being strong and courageous with receiving God’s blessings and prosperity. In Joshua 1:6-9, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel to possess the promised land. God promises that if Joshua is courageous, “you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” (v.6). Being courageous enables us to fully receive the blessings God wants to give us.
Examples of courage in the Bible
We find many examples of courage in Biblical figures that we can learn from. Daniel and his friends courageously stood for God against idolatry and persecution (Daniel 3 & 6). Esther bravely risked her life to come before the king and save her people (Esther 4). David as a young boy faced the giant Goliath with courage (1 Samuel 17). Their examples inspire us to likewise boldly trust God in the face of adversity.
Courage brings glory to God
When we courageously stand for God and rely on Him, it ultimately brings glory and honor to Him. As 1 Samuel 17:47 says, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s.” Our courage points to God’s strength and faithfulness. The apostles in Acts 5:41 rejoiced that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus. Suffering calamity with grace and courage magnifies Christ and the hope He provides.
Courage leads to eternal reward
Hebrews 11 highlights the great heroes of faith, and how their courageous deeds earned them approval from God. In Revelation 21:7-8, God promises: “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly…their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” Being courageous and overcoming fear of persecution earns us eternal reward in heaven.
Prayer for courage
Since God commands us to be strong and courageous, we can boldly approach His throne and ask for courage when we feel afraid or anxious. We can pray along with David in Psalm 28:7 – “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” We might pray something like:
“Father, I admit I feel weak and fearful in this situation. Please strengthen and uphold me by your right hand. Help me to trust that you are with me and will help me. Give me courage to face this adversity with grace. I want to bring glory to your name in this. Remind me of your promises and do not let fear overtake me. I need your courage within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Courage through community
God often provides courage through fellow believers who support and encourage us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 notes that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us to meet together and spur each other on. Sharing struggles with Christian friends and hearing how God brought them through trials can inspire great courage in us.
Courage in spiritual warfare
Ephesians 6:10-18 makes it clear that believers face constant spiritual battles against forces of evil. These dark powers can breed fear if we try to resist them alone. But we can have boldness and courage against spiritual attacks when we use the armor of God – truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Relying on God’s mighty power and protection enables us to firm stand against the Enemy’s schemes.
Courage to evangelize
It often takes courage for believers to share the gospel and be public about their faith. But Jesus commands us to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), so evangelism is not optional. Praying for boldness, knowing God is with us, and trusting that the Spirit will give us the words helps us courageously tell others about Christ (Mark 13:11, Acts 4:29, Philippians 1:14). Our courage can help lead many to salvation.
Courage to endure persecution
In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul warns that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Persecution takes many forms, from social ostracism to imprisonment or martyrdom. We can endure persecution courageously by keeping our eyes on the eternal reward (Hebrews 10:34), following Jesus’ example of entrusting ourselves to God (1 Peter 2:23), and relying on the Spirit’s sustaining power within us.
Courage in fulfilling God’s call
When God calls us to a difficult task or mission, we often feel inadequate and afraid. But we can be bold like Joshua, who God commanded to lead Israel into Canaan after Moses’ death. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Whatever God calls us to, He will give the courage and strength to carry it out.
Courage to do God’s will
Jesus showed utmost courage when facing the cross, praying in Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Following God’s will rather than our own often requires courage. We can have courage even in hard circumstances knowing God is sovereign, His way is perfect, and He works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Courage requires faith
Ultimately, courage is rooted in faith – believing God’s promises are true and trusting Him fully in the face of fear or danger. Those with faith are commended for their courage in Hebrews 11. When Jesus stilled the storm, He asked his disciples in Matthew 8:26 “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Faith dispels fear. As we grow in faith, we can confidently say with the psalmist in Psalm 27:3 – “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear.”
In summary, we can and should be of good courage because God is with us, He will strengthen, help and bless us, He has overcome evil, He gives eternal life to believers, and rewards those who courageously endure to the end. His Word gives many examples of courage we can follow. We can ask God to increase our courage, rely on support from Christian community, and walk in faith over fear. Be strong and courageous!
