Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

(Psalm 31:24 NIV)

At the zoo, a man watched as an attendant entered a wildcat cage carrying nothing but a broom.  Carefully closing the door behind him, he began sweeping the floor.

The onlooker couldn’t help but notice that the worker had no weapon, no shield, nothing to ward off a potential attack. When he reached the corner where the wildcat lay, he even poked the animal lightly with the broom.  The wildcat hissed, then lazily moved to another corner.

“You certainly are a brave man,” the observer said.  “No, I ain’t brave,” came the reply. 

“Well, then that cat must be tame.”  “No, he ain’t tame.”

“Then why doesn’t he attack you?” 

The man chuckled and said, “Mister, he’s old — he ain’t got no teeth.”

Not every situation in life requires courage. However, other situations demand bold faith. Take, for example, the choice Daniel was given — stop praying to God or face the hungry lions (which weren’t toothless!).  Or Moses — live a life of luxury in the king’s palace, or align himself with God’s people.  Or Esther — keep quiet and not cause a commotion, or stand up against evildoers at the risk of losing her life.

How we need that kind of courage in our own lives!  Courage to stand for truth in a culture that often rejects it.  Courage to live a Christ-centered life even when it draws criticism. Courage to confess God’s name, to act justly, and to speak with love in the face of opposition.

Psalm 31:24 encourages us: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.” (NIV) God doesn’t ask us to face the challenges of life on our own. True courage comes from trusting Him, knowing He strengthens our hearts and equips us to do what is right, even when fear threatens.

Not every challenge is a lion, but the ones that are — the truly frightening, life-changing moments — God has promised to be with us. Step forward with courage, not in your own strength, but in His.

Prayer: Father, give us hearts that trust in you when we’re afraid. Strengthen us with the courage of Daniel, Esther, and Moses, so that we may stand for truth and live faithfully for you in a world that often resists your ways.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day