Courageous Faith

Gaining Courage by Looking Back at God’s Past Actions (Based on Psalm 77)

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

All Wise and Powerful Heavenly Father, I come in Jesus’ Name to thank You for the example for developing courage found Psalm 77. In the first 12 verses, the author shares about how sometimes, like I am, he was overwhelmed by the evil and despair in this fallen world. How quickly I can get my focus of off Your light and get lost in the consuming darkness of sin and suffering.

However, thank you that just like the author in verses 13-20 of this Psalm, if I change my thinking to focus on all of the positive things You have done for me in the past, it will encourage me to trust in Your promises for the future.

Verses 10-14 “And I said, “This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.”

Lord, I ask that You will direct me to turn my mind and my heart toward You who gives comfort and protection, not only in difficult times, but always. Remind me frequently that it is the reading of Your Word, prayer with You, filling my mind with Christian music, and fellowshipping with strong believers that will allow me the positive experience of Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.“

Thank you for the encouragement and teaching from these verses. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

God’s Gift of Courageous and Consistent Faith Based on Joshua 1:1-9

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Photo taken in Florida.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name I come before You, thankful for the privilege to be in Your presence. It is through Jesus alone that I can speak and be with You. It is a great blessing You have given me in Joshua 1:1-9 to see how You encouraged Joshua and strengthened his faith. Throughout the Bible, You ​show that You want to do the same for me. Like You told Joshua in his difficult time, You want me to look to You through Your Word ​for guidance, and not around me.

Verse 7: “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” It is a wonderful gift from You when I experience courage and consistency in my faith while handling all situations in my life. Remind me often that without Your leading, life can be frightening, but with You in control it will be an exciting adventure.

Just as You assured Joshua that You would be with him in his new challenges, You will be with me. Verse 5b: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” It is my desire that You strengthen me and give me more faith and Godly courage. Keep my mind and heart focused on You by directing me to meditate on Your Word and be obedient to what you reveal.

Whenever I face new and difficult situations, direct me to take courage in knowing that You are with me wherever I go. Put verse 9 in my mind. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Thank you for the encouragement, peace, and comfort from this portion of Scripture. Amen.