2 Samuel 7:27-29
When I was growing up, Bobby Burns was my baseball coach.
Not only did he teach me the sport, he cared for me like a son. Whenever he challenged and corrected me, he always did so with love. He saw potential in me.
Once while running to catch a fly ball, I tripped. My knee slammed into my chin, making me bite my tongue. As blood started to flow and tears welled in my eyes, Coach Burns shielded me from the other kids walking up so I wouldn’t be embarrassed.
“Look at me,” he said firmly. “You’ll be fine.” Something about his voice made me stop crying. It filled me with assurance and courage.
We usually think that the meaning of “courage” is “to be heroic.” But as Brené Brown writes, the word originally meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all of one’s heart.” Courage actually means letting our heart take the lead. We let it lead us to put our whole selves on the line.
Biblical courage doesn’t come through mustering up some inner fortitude. It rests on trusting in “the Lord of hosts.” We may assume that David was a naturally courageous person, but he always credits the living God for his strength. In hearing God’s promise that David’s descendants and his throne would be established forever, David finds the courage to pray boldly.
Hearing God’s promises builds courage. Within Scripture we hear thousands of these that concern our wellbeing, our relationships, and our future. Listen for God’s voice and find the strength we need to fully live out God’s purpose.
Source: Brené Brown, I Thought It Was Just Me: Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame (New York: Gotham Books, 2007).
Consider
What promises of God give you the courage to live wholeheartedly?
Pray
God, fill me with courage today. Like David, help me to bring my whole self before you and say what’s in my heart. Amen.