Have Courage, God is With You: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).

Is there something happening in your life right now that requires courage? Do you have feelings of discouragement? Are you terrified?

Sometimes when circumstances seem totally out of our control it is very easy to become discouraged and terrified. This is the time when your faith in God is tested. We are not promised a life that is filled with no problems or sicknesses. It is our faith in God that sustains us through these difficult times. It is the courage we receive from our faith that helps us through each day.

There are many examples from the Bible of people who had to have courage and trust God. Joshua had to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land with God’s help. The odds were against them, but God had told them not to be afraid and they believed Him and went ahead to conquer that land. Esther stood up against the king in order to save her people and could have died in the process, but she trusted in God and her people were spared. David slew a giant with a sling and a stone because He knew God was with Him and would give Him the courage to do it. Peter stepped out on the raging waves because Jesus called him and he did not sink until he took his eyes off Jesus. These are only a few people in the people who trusted the Lord and found courage.

Please know that the courage displayed by these people in the Bible is still available to you from God. His strength and courage lies in you through the Holy Spirit and is able to help you at all times. Trust Him to fill you with peace instead of terror and discouragement. Call upon Him and tell Him your needs and He will give you strength. One of my favorite verses helps me when I get discouraged, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). Take courage, God is with you.

Dear Lord,

There are many times in life when we can get discouraged and spiral downward into depression. Help us to call upon you knowing that you will give us strength and courage to carry on. We know that your love never fails and will sustain us even during stressful times.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen