The Value of Courage

I Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.

Samuel had anointed David to be King over Israel, but he was not immediately promoted to the palace. He returned to his spot on the hillside, looking after the sheep. His experiences in protecting his flock from predators gave him courage and confidence. The communication he shared with the Lord, while there alone, is shown in the many psalms that he wrote. It was a time of preparation for the unknown future.

David’s father sent him on an errand to bring food to his brothers. He found the army of Israel cowering in fear before the giant Goliath. No one was willing to risk their life to go fight with him. When David volunteered, they laughed at him. Saul offered his armour, but David refused. He stepped out into the valley of Elah to meet the giant with just a slingshot and a few stones.

Was David afraid? I am sure he was, but his trust was not in his weapons, but in God. He remembered the times God had allowed him to kill the bear and the lion that threatened the sheep. Courage arose in his heart, and God gave him the victory. His secret: “I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.”

There are many giants that we face in our lives. The enemy of our soul bombards us with doubt, fear, discouragement, and just the cares of life. But when we have Jesus abiding in our hearts, we can have victory over all these things. Because He has met us many times in the past, we can trust that He will always be there for us.

Paul gave us great instructions on how to overcome whatever giant life may bring against us:

Ephesians 6:10-13 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Promise for Today:  I John 5:4 “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Devotion by Anne Johnston