Day 192

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

Courage to Overcome Fear

The reading from 1 Chronicles contains the anointing of David as king over Israel, the conquering of what would become the Holy City of Jerusalem, and the listing of the chiefs of David’s mighty men. These were men whose valor in combat raised them to positions of prominence and leadership. Valor comes from courageous action in the heat of battle. The myth regarding courage is that it is the absence of fear.

Instead, courage is the will to overcome fear and pain and press on boldly. This is what was said of Paul as he proclaimed the lordship of Christ even while in chains: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31).

The mighty men believed with their whole hearts in the cause for which they risked their lives. Paul believed with his entire heart in the reality of the risen Lord Christ. That kind of faith makes one brave. How about us? Are we also sold out for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, we can make the cry of the mighty men our own: “Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you” (12:18).

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name. O Most High.” – Psalm 9:1-2

The Rev. Richard Bordin