The battle is real. The threats are undeniable. So, how do we face them with courage? How do we not give in to fear?
Let’s take a peek at a story in the Old Testament. Moses had just died. God commissioned Joshua to finally lead the people across the Jordan River and into the land God had promised them. What a seemingly impossible task! And, God charged Joshua to do so with strength and courage; not discouragement and fear.
Here’s what the Lord said to Joshua:
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
The word, “discourage” in this passage translates this way:
To be:
- Shattered
- Dismayed
- Afraid
Ever felt that way? I sure have. To be dis-couraged, is to move away from courage; to take the bait and believe that all is lost, scattered, and irretrievable. And that would be the case if we were the ones holding all things together. But we’re not. Jesus holds all things together. And even when all appears lost, or like it’s about to be, we can look up and trust Him. You can trust Him.
If it feels like your courage is in a thousand pieces on the floor, know this: you’re not alone. These are tough times. It’s okay to get discouraged. It’s not okay to stay discouraged. Perhaps these steps will help you make your way back to stout-hearted faith once again:
- Retrace Your Steps ~ Try to discern where you lost your focus. Ask God to show you how discouragement made its way into your soul. It might be a certain newscast or a strained exchange with one of your kids. Identifying the source is half the battle. Then bring that thing before God and ask for a fresh, faith perspective.
- Remind Your Soul ~ We so often forget who God is and how committed He is to His children. When our souls forget, discouragement sets in. Spend some time reflecting on the faithfulness and the love of God. He’s a Good Shepherd, and He will faithfully lead you through this storm.
- Rehearse His Promises ~ God’s promises are as potent as they’ve ever been. Even at this moment, He is actively responding to prayer and keeping His promises. Think back on all of the ways God has come through for you. Dare to look ahead with a certain measure of hope and expectancy. Find a promise with your name on it. Memorize it, pray it, and say it. He is faithful to His Word.
- Rise up in Faith! ~ Stand up and stomp your feet if you have to. But declare that you are a person of faith and that you will march forward to the land God has for you. Go forward with the faith you have, and God will be sure that you have all that you need.
God is strong and He wants you strong. Draw near to Him today.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you been listening?
Yahweh is the one and only everlasting God,
the Creator of all you can see and imagine!
He never gets weary or worn out.
His intelligence is unlimited;
he is never puzzled over what to do!
He empowers the feeble
and infuses the powerless with increasing strength.
Even young people faint and get exhausted;
athletic ones may stumble and fall.
But those who wait for Yahweh’s grace
will experience divine strength.
They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles,
run their race without growing weary,
and walk through life without giving up.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Bestselling author and speaker, Lisa Bevere writes in her devotional, “Strong“:
“When you feel calamities are about to sweep you under and you feel ambushed on every side, get excited. God is about to show up and do what you cannot.”
Hear more from Lisa Bevere on this subject from my interview with her on Middays with Susie Larson below.
How to find your courage
