“Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done!” 2 Samuel 10:12 NLT
Here’s the answer to any fear: Be Courageous!
This verse is found as Joab is about to lead his men into battle. Here’s why: because King David sent men to offer condolences. A guy named Hanun had become king of the Ammonites when his dad died. David sends some guys to offer condolences, Hanun doesn’t trust him. Hanun has his men shave off half of David’s mens beards, then cut their clothes at the hip so their butts were exposed. Yes, this is what men did back then. This of course was insulting to David, thus Joab is heading into battle. All of this can be found in chapter 10 of 2 Samuel, I can’t make it up.
This story was in my daily reading today. When I came upon this verse, it reminded me of the saying, “Pray like it depends on God, Work like it depends on you.” These men were facing real battle, with horses and swords, they were facing death. This verse was their battle cry. I realized as I thought about it further, we do have a part to play. In order to overcome our fears, we do have to face them. We have to pick up weapons, put on our armor and face our enemies. Our armor is founded on truth: God has given you all you need to face your fears. It’s founded on righteousness: you have to trust God is with you in the battle. Our helmet is salvation, our shield is faith, our sword is God’s word and our feet, they carry peace (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT). That is the armor of God we wear into our daily battles. That is what we have to overcome our fears.
What does it mean to be courageous? According to Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon in “We Bought a Zoo” it’s 20 seconds of insanity: “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” The most courageous thing you can do is take the first step. Whatever fear you’re facing, take the first step in overcoming it. Have 20 seconds of insane courage and take just one step, great things will come from it.
Let’s take the first step with this battle cry:
Lord, thank you for Your presence in our lives. Thank You for the courage You have given us. Help us go into our battles bravely, praying for Your will to be done always. Help us fight bravely the fights You’ve laid out before us, for our family, our friends, our homes. (2 Samuel 10:12 NLT). In You we trust, knowing You are always with us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
