Courage

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Read Psalm 27:1-5, 13-14

We all need courage at different times in our life. I remember try to summon the courage to jump off the high dive at the Harrison Bay State Park swimming pool when I was a kid. I walked toward the end of the board only to turn around and walk back. I did this over and over until peer pressure got the best of me. It takes courage to jump off the high dive at the community swimming pool. Or to do something that might be a little risky such as sky diving or riding a bike for the first time. Or to make a public presentation about something you believe in. Or to stand up for a person who is being picked on. Or to ask for a promotion or a raise at work. Or to battle an illness. Or to share your faith story to someone. When we act with courage, we find the mental or moral strength to face a difficulty, danger, or pain. We act with bravery, confidence, or perseverance. Our passage today reminds us the Lord is our light and our stronghold when we are afraid. As our light, he guides our path. As our stronghold, he protects us. We see that David was obviously going through a trial, but he was confident that while he was living, God would see him through. David encourages us to wait for the Lord’s guidance, be strong in the wait, and then be courageous.

Meditate on Deuteronomy 31:6 today. “ So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”