Courage Follows Worship

So, how can you gain courage in your troubling times? Do you have to wait around for a rainbow to flash across the sky? Follow the promptings of Scripture here:

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:2-5 NIV

David was in the desert when he penned these words. He was tired, thirsty and in deep need of encouragement. Not only that, but his very life was being threatened by enemies. David was not in a good spot.

You notice that David does not retreat from his relationship with God. He knows that courage comes from one place. And he goes to get it. How does David activate courage in this desperate time in the desert?

He begins by turning his physical thirst into a thirst for God. David says, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1). Then, he begins remembering all the times when he met with God or when God broke through into his life (Psalms 63:2). Lastly, David gets active in praising God (Psalm 63:3-6). He uses his whole body (especially his mouth) in expressing his love for God.

So, how can you gain courage in your troubling times? Do you have to wait around for a rainbow to flash across the sky? Follow the promptings of Scripture here:

1. In the midst of trouble, turn your longing for relief into a longing for God. Tell him you need his comfort. Ask him to speak to you.
2. Recall to mind the times that God revealed himself to you. Perhaps you can remember a time of healing, provision, or other miracle that he did.
3. Get active in worship. Use your body - your mouth, hands, feet, etc. to engage with God. When you obediently worship him with your heart, soul, mind AND strength, courage comes.

​Don't wait to be filled with courage. Step into God's presence through acknowledging your need for God, remembering his specific miracles in your life, and actively worshipping him. Courage will flood your soul.