Introduction
In today’s devotional, we wrap up our week on God giving good gifts by looking at how God is the giver of courage. Fear is something that plagues us all in this life. But our Father’s way is better. The Lord wants to cast out all fear with His perfect love and empower you to live boldly, full of courage and confidence. Open your heart today in light of God’s love. Let go of anything holding you back from abundant life, and step forward with Jesus into fearless living.
Scripture
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” PSALM 27:14
Worship
Egypt | CAIN
Devotional
Your portion as a child of the Most High God is a life filled with bravery and courage. The Lord desires to take what brings you fear and force it out with an infilling of courage rooted in the truth of His word for you. Open your heart and mind today to receive healing and transformation in the areas of fear, insecurity, and doubt. Allow God to come in and do a mighty work that frees you to live with joy, security, and courage.
In God we have a constant source of courage. Isaiah 43:2-3 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Your heavenly Father is always with you. He will never leave nor forsake you. And in every situation, trial, and problem, he has a perfect plan to guide you into a lifestyle of strength, courage, and peace.
1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” God’s love has the power to drive out every source of insecurity and fear that plagues you. His loving presence fills every crevasse of our hearts, satiating and healing all our longings and wounds. His Spirit speaks truth where lies and wrong perspectives have led us away from life as sons and daughters of the King. And His word remains a constant reminder of the power and freedom available to those who trust in their God over their own feelings of weakness and insecurity.
Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” The death of Christ brought you a new Spirit. And it’s in that Spirit that we are now filled with new identity, new purpose, and new perspective. When you find yourself in a situation that would normally fill you with fear, call upon the power of the Spirit and ask Him to fill you with fresh vision, strength, and courage. Renew your mind to the truth that you are no longer a citizen of this world and are not subject to the emotions, fears, doubts, and insecurities that come with it. You are now a child of the omnipotent, omnipresent, and fully loving Creator of all.
David wrote in Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” May you seek the face of your heavenly Father today, press into the heart of God for all the healing and deliverance He longs to give you, and find yourself freed from the fears and insecurities that have held you back for far too long.
Prayer
1. Meditate on your new portion as a child of God. Renew your mind to the truth of the courage and security available to you in Christ.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15
2. Reflect on your life. What situations fill you with insecurity and fear? What person, past wound, or lie has left you crippled or afraid? Where do you need the courage and bravery of God today?
3. Rest in the presence of God, and allow His love to cast out fear and fill you with courage and truth.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
Go
May you have fresh vision for the abundant courage available to you in God. May you pursue wholeheartedly the transformation God longs to work in you. Don’t be content with less than God desires for you. Instead, passionately seek out the life Christ died to give you. Find courage, hope, and fulfillment today in the nearness and love of your heavenly Father.
Extended Reading: 1 John 4 or watch The Bible Project’s video on 1-3 John.