Why should we be of good courage (Psalm 27:14)?

Response

God knows His followers require immense courage to navigate the challenges of life in this sinful world. That’s why the Bible is full of encouraging messages like the one in Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (NKJV).

To “be of good courage” means to have an inner strength that allows a person to face danger and adversity calmly, boldly, confidently, and with trust instead of fear. The term translated as “wait” in the original language actually means “trust.” This sentiment is echoed in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV).

This unwavering trust and courage are only possible for those who have a personal relationship with the Lord as their Savior. At the start of the psalm, the poet declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” «The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? », (Psalm 27:1).

In the face of any danger, we can be courageous because the Lord is by our side, and He is deserving of our trust. No night is too long, no darkness too deep, no suffering too intense, no evil too terrifying, and no enemy too fierce to shake the confidence of those who have God as their light and salvation. Believers can be courageous and unafraid because the Lord is the stronghold of their lives.

God encouraged Joshua to “be strong and of good courage” (NKJV) or “be strong and courageous” (NIV) because “the LORD your God goes with you;He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; see also Joshua 1:9). The same reassurance was given to Solomon and countless other servants of God throughout the Bible (1 Chronicles 22:13; 2 Samuel 10:12; Acts 23:11). We should be of good courage because the Lord is with us. He is our security: “You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap” (Proverbs 3:25-26; NLT).

God uses times of suffering to strengthen and refine us (2 Corinthians 4:7-12; Psalm 66:10). The apostle Paul encouraged believers who were enduring hardship not to lose heart: “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17; ESV). In every situation, we can be sure that God is working out His purposes for our good and His glory «And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. », (Romans 8:28).

Jesus taught the disciples that it’s possible to have courage and peace amid trials and sorrows by abiding in Him: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in”Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, HCSB). In Jesus Christ, we find peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). The world may hate us, but Jesus Christ has conquered the world. Believers are “hidden with Christ in God” – “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3). We are God’s children, and “everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4; see also 1 John 2:13-14).

We should be courageous because God is our protector and defender. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). We don’t have to fear because we are secure in the Father’s love. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). When God is for us, nothing can stand against us – “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31), and nothing can separate us from His great love (Romans 8:35-39).

What is the worst that the world can

What challenges will life throw at us? The apostle Paul said that, even if “the earthly tent we live in is destroyed”—even if we die—“we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven” «For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. », (2 Corinthians 5:1). We should be of good courage because eternal life in heaven awaits those who are in Jesus Christ (John 17:3;1 John 2:24-25;5:20).