Praying For Courage To Replace Fear and Discouragement

Courage

We all admire courageous people but who of us wants to face the kinds of situations that call forth courage in us? 

How do we find the courage to make an extraordinary decision that impacts our own future or even the future of others we love?  How do we bravely try something new or go after what we really want?

In various forms we’ve all heard the description of courage – of it not being the absence of fear but rather being our experience when we take advantage of the little strength we find within ourselves and stubbornly sticking with God who will provide all the strength we need to do what is necessary. 

In God’s Word we read: 

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:9

Lord, on this ordinary day that has lots of challenges for many of us, we ask You to fill us with courage.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t be afraid or won’t need help.  It means that we will look to You, and in faith we’ll take one more step.  As we do, God, we know You  will support us with the necessary strength to continue our journey.

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

Isaiah 35:4

We each struggle with different “enemies” but God You are able to overcome all of them on our behalf.  We speak to our own hearts today, on the basis of what we know about You, and tell ourselves that we don’t need to be afraid because You, our strong God, are with us.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Thank You for the gifts of power, love, and self-discipline that overcome our fear and timidity.  We will walk with You today, God.  We will trust You.  We will find confidence not in our own knowledge or ability but in Your promise to be with us wherever we go and to guide us safely on the right path.  Amen

So, I don’t know what courage will look like in the situations You face today but I know that God has promised to be with us and honestly, looking at my own history of God’s faithfulness to me, I have no reason to doubt and I bet if you reflect on Your history You will see the same.  Have a great day filled with faith and courage.