Good Courage

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord." -Psalm 27:14

Courage is word we associate with bravery and action. We don't often think of courage and bravery in waiting. How can standing still be a sign of strength and bravery?

I've been doing a study on this phrase "be of good courage" lately. (It's also found in on of my favorite verses, Joshua 1:9..."Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.") The interesting thing about this phrase, is that it isn't about an action at all, it is more about a mindset and a stance of NO action.

The root word for "courage" in these verses goes all the way back to a word in Hebrew that means to be steadfast and mentally established. It actually refers to a strength that comes from rest, restoration and rejuvenation.

We tend to get so stuck in our busy world that we think in order to fulfill God's plan for our lives, we constantly have to be striving to DO something. Whether it is discovering or implementing His plan for our lives...we think we must always be in action.

This verse in Psalms is telling us just the opposite. God's gives us strength when we rest. We don't give up, we still have to keep our mindsets steadfast and don't give up during the rest.... but we must rest and allow God to rejuvenate and restore us so that we can have the strength to carry on His plans for our lives.

If you are facing a new year of challenges, goals, and dreams that seem like you will never be able to do it on your own...you aren't alone. AND... you won't be able to do it on your own no matter how hard you strive. Take this word of advice from His Word and WAIT!!! BE OF GOOD COURAGE! Take a steadfast mindset that God is the one that will give you your strength and WAIT ON HIM. Don't try to just keep pushing through each day. Let Him rejuvenate your soul with His Word, encouragement, and direction.

Be of good courage and wait on him today!