Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
The Bible offers several exhortations to be courageous. Courage faces fear with faith in God. It looks at the future and the unknown with the eyes of faith fixed on God, and we are able to move forward. Faith sees the sunshine behind the clouds and takes courage. And when we step out in faith and begin to act, the Lord comes in to strengthen. It begins with a mustard seed faith and it grows. The Holy Spirit grants the beginning of faith through the Gospel, and the continued nurturing of the Word strengthens and grows our faith.
This promise is for all those who hope in the Lord, and not in any other worldly thing. Hope in the Lord does not disappoint. We trust the Lord and hope in the Lord, and we are strong and courageous. Because God in Christ is good and strong for us, we can apply the faith that He grants. Take heart and face it all with courage. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”