Courage

Courage is armor
A blind man wears;
That calloused scar
Of outlived despairs;
Courage is Fear
That has said its prayers.

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There is an obvious reason why the Bible tells us not to be afraid, and does so over and over again – it is because God’s people are often afraid! In this (often misattributed) line from Baker’s poem, we are reminded that courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear that has said its prayers. It is a powerful line because it is so freeing. It reminds us that it is okay to be afraid. Fear does not make us cowards. And courage does not conquer all fear. For people of faith, courage is found when we turn to our Creator, who loves us, and who promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Courage is found when we remember that even when we walk through the darkest of valleys, God is with us (Psalm 23:4). Courage is found when we say our prayers, in other words, and remember God’s promises.

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9