Courage

Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is a virtue that is often called upon in the face of adversity and is closely linked with faith in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations to be courageous, often in the context of trusting in God's promises and presence.

One of the most well-known exhortations to courage is found in the book of Joshua. As Joshua assumes leadership of Israel after Moses, God commands him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). This command is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the importance of courage in fulfilling God's purposes.

The Psalms also speak to the theme of courage, often in the context of seeking refuge in God. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" . Here, courage is intertwined with patience and trust in God's timing and deliverance.

In the New Testament, courage is exemplified by the apostles and early Christians who faced persecution for their faith. The book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly despite threats and opposition. Acts 4:13 notes the courage of Peter and John, stating, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus" .

Trust

Trust in the Bible is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of God. It is foundational to the relationship between God and His people, often depicted as a reliance on God's character and promises.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a quintessential passage on trust: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This passage highlights the necessity of trusting God completely, rather than relying on human wisdom.

The patriarch Abraham is a prime example of trust in God. Hebrews 11:8 recounts, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going" . Abraham's trust in God's promise led him to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, demonstrating trust through obedience.

Trust is also a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often express their reliance on God amidst trials. Psalm 56:3-4 declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" . This passage illustrates the connection between trust and the alleviation of fear.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about trust in God's provision and care. In Matthew 6:25-34, He instructs His followers not to worry about their needs, emphasizing that their heavenly Father knows what they need and will provide for them. This teaching encourages believers to trust in God's providence and seek His kingdom first.

Courage and trust are thus interwoven throughout Scripture, with courage often arising from a deep trust in God. Together, they form a powerful testimony of faith in the lives of believers, enabling them to face challenges with confidence in God's faithfulness.