Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Today, we are still in Psalm 27. This whole chapter is full of incredible promises and declarations that are just as powerful today as they were when David wrote them. Psalm 27:14 says:
14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
When I read this verse most recently, I couldn’t get past the fact that waiting and having courage were related. Historically, when I thought about courage, I was picturing a kid standing up to a bully, someone turning down a temptation to sin or someone standing up for their faith when others are asking them to bow to anything else. These are all things that require bold words and bold actions. But this scripture says we can get courage from waiting on the Lord. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and trust in our God. It takes courage to wait and be still, and our courage will grow as we learn to give it all to God and wait on Him.
Webster’s 1829 dictionary defines courage as bravery; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. Again, our courage isn’t necessarily measured in our actions, but in the state of our mind. Fear has us running around doing whatever we can to avoid that which arouses fear. Stay busy says fear and you will never have to face that which terrifies you. Courage says that no matter what comes our way we will seek and wait on our Heavenly Father. Courage knows the nature and the power of the God we serve. Courage doesn’t need the perfect set of circumstances to make its presence known; it stands unwaveringly no matter what comes its way.
Final Thoughts…
The original Hebrew word for courage in Psalm 27:14 means to fasten upon; hence, to seize (Strongs). I want to fasten upon my ability to wait. There are so many promises I want to be fulfilled in my life right now. But I know God well enough to know that my timing and His timing are often different, but it has always been for my benefit. I think I know what’s best, but God sees the whole picture. And waiting isn’t sitting around and mulling all the possibilities. It’s having hopeful expectation and praising the God that I know will never let me down.