Day 4 - Courage

**(This is part of a 31 day series on finding Joy in the Journey. If you want to read more related posts click here. )**

One of the friends Dorothy meets on her journey through the Land of Oz is the cowardly lion. He tries to act fierce but is really afraid of everything. He is embarrassed because he is supposed to be the king of the forest but he has no courage. He has no joy because he is not living the life he was created to live. 

As followers of Christ our courage comes from our relationship with God. Having joy in our journey requires courage, courage to live the life we were created for. God doesn’t want us to be cowardly and afraid. The Bible says God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. We won’t be able to have joy if we are worried and afraid.

In the book of Joshua, the Lord told Joshua many times to be “strong and courageous” as he led the Hebrew people into their Promised Land. God didn’t give Joshua a map to everyplace he needed to go or a detailed plan on how he should fight every battle. Joshua’s success came because he kept his eyes on the Lord and did exactly as the Lord commanded. 

This is the same way we will have success, by keeping our eyes on the Lord and doing what He says in His Word. Success to God is a joyful life He can use as a witness to the world to share His love.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by an impossible situation? Charged with leading God’s people into their promised land, Joshua was familiar with the fear that accompanies enormous responsibility. Yet, somehow he was able to trust God and accomplish His will. The same promise God made to Joshua He makes to us.

God is striding ahead of you.

He is right there with you.

 He won’t let you down.

 He won’t leave you.

 Don’t be intimidated.

 Don’t worry.

 Deuteronomy 31:8 (MSG)

It can seem impossible to have joy during difficult circumstances. During those times we need to not dwell on our problems. We need to look to God by reading His Word and focusing on His power, promises and great love for us. We can’t do this life on our own. We need God’s Word every day.

How many blessings do we miss, and how much joy do we forfeit because we come up with our own plan for our life instead of following God’s Word? Where would Joshua have been at the battle of Jericho had he come up with his own plan instead of following the Lord’s?  

     The lion in the Wizard of Oz was the king of the forest and he inspired Dorothy to have courage. We worship the King of Kings, creator of heaven and earth. He will give you all the courage you need to live the joyful life He has planned for you.        

Don’t fret or worry.

Instead of worrying, pray.

Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,

letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,

everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.

It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry

at the center of your life.

Phil. 4:6-7 (MSG)

 Joyfully,