If My People: Pray for Courage

Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14

The Bible is beloved for its realism. Case in point: the Bible’s heroes were sometimes afraid. That’s right. Moses was afraid to return to Egypt for a face-off with Pharaoh. Joshua needed courage when it was time to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. David feared for his life when he was chased by Saul through the wilderness. Even Jesus experienced tremendous spiritual pressure on the night before His crucifixion. Who among us wouldn’t have needed courage if we had been in those situations?

Today we have things of our own to fear: the loss of a job, unexpected health issues, international terrorism, drug-resistant organisms, storms and natural calamities, and more. We never know what the headlines, or our own personal experiences, will bring each day. We need courage when life is so unpredictable. In fearful moments, David’s counsel is to “wait on the LORD” and “He shall strengthen your heart.” What do we do while we are waiting? Pray and meditate on the promises of His Word.

If the Bible’s heroes needed courage, it is okay for us to need it, too. God will give it as we pray and wait upon Him.

There can be no courage in men unless God supports them by His Word.
John Calvin