Never Be Shaken: Is Your Life Defined by Courage or Fear?
A couple of years ago, a major windstorm came through my home town. The one thing I remember most about that night was sitting on our couch looking out our big front window at the enormous pine trees in our neighborhood. They swayed back and forth in a way that made everyone a bit uneasy. We knew that at any moment, one of them could fall and destroy everything in its path. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of that night was not which trees fell, but rather which trees didn’t. Some of the most fragile looking trees were still standing the next morning. What made these trees stronger than the others?
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What makes a tree strong is not what you see above the surface, but rather what you can’t see. Its root system is crucial. The same is true in our Christian walk. It’s not about the seen, but rather the unseen that makes us unshakable. It’s when we choose to walk in the courage of the Lord, rather than the fear of the enemy.
So are you walking in courage or fear?
- A lack of courage is a lack of trust in God’s promises. This may seem a bit harsh, but it’s true. If you find yourself struggling with fear, then it may be time to evaluate your trust. Do you really trust God with every aspect of your life? If so, then courage will come naturally.
So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6 (NLT)
- Fear comes from the enemy, while courage comes from God. If you find yourself fearful, check your heart. Where is that fear coming from? The Bible is pretty clear that fear NEVER comes from God. It comes from the enemy. And do you know what he has to do when you resist him? The Bible says he has to flee!
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
- When we focus on Truth and Love, fear doesn’t have a place in our lives. You may be wondering why I capitalized both “truth” and “love.” Jesus refers to Himself as the Truth. And Truth says that God is good even in the midst of a storm. The Bible also tells us that God IS love. And Love casts out all fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear… – 1 John 4:18
I’ve heard it said that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the ability to triumph over it. But the Bible describes their relationship a bit differently. Fear is something the enemy uses in our lives to cripple us. But it has to flee when we walk in the truth of God’s love because His love casts out fear! So if you’re a child of God, abiding in His love, you can live a life marked by courage without fear.
You can stand strong in the courage of our God.
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8
When your eyes are fixed on Jesus and you are rooted in Him, you will never be shaken.
Join us in the month of September as we study our courage and boldness in Christ! Click on the graphic below (or HERE) to join our weekly newsletter and download this month’s Bible reading plan!
*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
**Photo by Daniel Irmler at ChristianPics.co