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.
What the Bible Says About Courage
The Bible's call to courage is one of its most frequent and powerful themes. God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous no fewer than three times as he prepared to lead Israel into the promised land. This repetition reveals both the reality of fear and God's determination to equip His people to overcome it. Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in faith despite fear, trusting that God is present and powerful.
The source of biblical courage is always God's presence. Notice that every command to be courageous in Scripture is paired with a promise of God's presence: I am with thee whithersoever thou goest. The LORD thy God doth go with thee. I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Human courage runs out, but courage rooted in God's faithfulness is inexhaustible because it depends on His strength rather than our own.
The Bible is filled with examples of ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary courage because of their faith in God. David faced Goliath as a teenager. Esther risked her life to save her people. Daniel chose the lions' den rather than compromise his prayer life. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked into the fiery furnace. Peter and John preached boldly before the same council that had crucified Christ. In every case, their courage flowed from their confidence in God.
Paul's declaration in 2 Timothy 1:7 reveals that the spirit of fear does not come from God. What God gives instead is a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. This means that when believers face intimidating circumstances, they have access to supernatural resources: God's power to act, God's love to motivate, and God's wisdom to think clearly. Courage is not something Christians must manufacture; it is a gift they receive from the God who goes before them.
Key Bible Verses
“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.”
— Joshua 1:9
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
— Psalm 27:1
Practical Application
- When you face a frightening situation, recite Joshua 1:9 and remind yourself that God's command to be courageous is paired with His promise to be with you.
- Identify the specific fears that hold you back from obeying God and bring them to Him in prayer, asking for His spirit of power, love, and sound mind.
- Study the stories of courageous biblical figures and draw encouragement from how God equipped ordinary people for extraordinary challenges.
- Take one step of faith this week in an area where fear has been holding you back, trusting that God goes before you.
- Encourage others who are facing fearful circumstances, reminding them of God's faithfulness and presence.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? What is the difference between being brave and being reckless?
- ? Which Bible character's courage inspires you the most, and why?
- ? How does knowing God is with you help you face things that scare you?
- ? What is one thing you would do if you were not afraid, and how can faith help you take that step?
Family Activity
This week, look for examples of courage in your daily lives. Share one example at dinner each night and talk about how the Bible's teachings on courage can guide your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it wrong for Christians to feel afraid?
No. Fear is a natural human emotion, and even great believers in the Bible experienced fear. Elijah, Moses, Gideon, and the disciples all felt afraid at various points. The command to be courageous acknowledges that fear exists. Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to trust God and act in faith despite feeling afraid.
How can I develop more courage in my daily life?
Biblical courage grows through knowing God and trusting His promises. Regular Bible study builds your confidence in God's faithfulness. Prayer connects you to His strength. Remembering past instances where God helped you builds faith for current challenges. Taking small steps of obedience in areas of fear gradually builds the muscle of courage.
What does the Bible mean by a spirit of fear?
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says God has not given us a spirit of fear. This refers to a paralyzing, cowardly timidity that prevents believers from fulfilling their calling. While healthy caution and respect for danger are wise, a spirit of fear that controls your decisions and keeps you from obeying God is not from Him. God gives instead a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
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