The Bible has a lot to say about courage, which is defined as the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in the face of fear. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses and passages about courage:
Be Strong and Courageous
God directly commanded Joshua to “be strong and courageous” as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6-9). This charge to courage is repeated multiple times throughout Joshua 1. God assured Joshua that He would be with him, so Joshua could find courage in God’s presence and power. This courage was needed for the monumental task ahead.
David’s Courage
David demonstrated great courage throughout his life. As a young man, he had the courage to face the giant Goliath when no one else would (1 Samuel 17). He later showed courage in battle as Saul pursued him (1 Samuel 23:14). David’s courage came from his strong faith in God.
Esther’s Courage
Queen Esther showed remarkable courage when she risked her life to save her people. She boldly approached the king to expose Haman’s evil plot, saying “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Her courage has inspired many throughout history.
The Apostles’ Courage
The apostles demonstrated courage in spreading the gospel, even when they faced persecution and death. Peter and John were threatened and flogged, yet responded: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). The apostles rejoiced that they had been counted worthy of suffering for Christ (Acts 5:41).
Jesus’ Courage
Jesus Himself perfectly displayed courage. He willingly suffered and died on the cross, because of His courageous obedience to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8). Jesus endured the shame and pain of the cross, looking with courage to the greater joy beyond it (Hebrews 12:2). His courage inspires all who follow Him.
With God, There Is No Need to Fear
The most frequent command in Scripture is “Do not be afraid.” God reminds us over and over that He is with us, so we can have courage even in the most dire circumstances. We need not fear what man can do to us (Psalm 56:4, 11). If we make the Lord our refuge and strength, we do not need to fear (Psalm 91:1-2, 5).
Courage to Stand Firm in Faith
Christians are called to stand firm in faith with courage, even when they face opposition. Paul said, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). The Lord stood by Paul and strengthened him so he could boldly proclaim the gospel (2 Timothy 4:17).
Courage to Do God’s Will
Obedience to God’s will requires courage. Esther courageously declared, “I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Paul was ready to face imprisonment and death for the sake of the gospel. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
Courage Comes from Trust in God
Biblical courage ultimately comes from trusting in the character and promises of God. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). We can fully rely on God’s strength and faithfulness. As Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Greater is He Who is in You
As Christians, we can have courage knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within us. “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Spirit gives us power beyond what we have naturally (Acts 1:8). Relying on His strength allows us to face every challenge with courage.
Examples of Courage in the Face of Fear
In addition to the courageous acts described above, the Bible gives many examples of people who showed courage when confronted with fear:
– Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den but trusted God to deliver him (Daniel 6:16-23)
– Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship idols even under threat of death (Daniel 3:8-30)
– Rahab harbored the Israelite spies in Jericho because she feared God (Joshua 2:1-24)
– Jehoshaphat faced a vast army but found courage in God (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
– Jesus showed courage in the Garden of Gethsemane when He submitted to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:36-46)
Courage to Follow God Wholeheartedly
The Bible calls us to follow God with courage, fully relying on Him. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This courage empowers us to obey God even when it involves risk or loss.
Jesus told His followers they would need courage as His disciples: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Knowing Christ has already won the victory gives us courage to follow Him faithfully through all trials.
Pray for Courage
We can ask God to give us His perfect courage. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). David regularly prayed for courage in the Psalms:
“Give me courage, O Lord” (Psalm 86:16).
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
Jesus assured His disciples of this powerful provision in prayer: “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). Our joy and courage can be made complete when we bring our needs to God.
Courage to Stand for Truth
In a world that often opposes biblical principles, Christians need courage to stand for truth. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Paul said we must put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil with courage (Ephesians 6:10-18). Jesus promised the Spirit would give us the words to speak courageously for Him (Luke 12:11-12).
Courage to Love as Christ Loves
Loving others sacrificially as Christ loved takes great courage. It means loving those who mistreat or persecute us. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We can only do this in God’s strength. The Bible encourages us to “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14).
Do Not Lose Heart
Standing courageously for Christ often involves scorn, rejection, or fatigue. But we must not lose heart. “We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Our courage is renewed as we focus on the eternal. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Examples of Courage in the Bible
Here are some examples of courageous figures in the Bible and how their stories can inspire courage in believers today:
Noah – Built the ark despite no record of prior flooding. His courage to obey God saved his family (Genesis 6-9).
Abraham – Left his home by faith to go where God led him, not knowing his destination. His courage became a great blessing (Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-10).
Joseph – Forgave his brothers though they sold him into slavery. He courageously trusted God through suffering (Genesis 45:4-8).
Moses – Confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of captivity. His courage freed a nation (Exodus 3-14).
Rahab – Hid the Israelite spies at great personal risk. Her courage was rewarded (Joshua 2).
Ruth – Left her homeland for Israel out of love for Naomi. Her courage resulted in her redemption (Book of Ruth).
Daniel – Refused to stop praying though threatened with death. His courage showed complete trust in God (Daniel 6).
Mary – Accepted God’s call to bear Christ though it risked her reputation. Her courage birthed salvation (Luke 1:26-38).
Paul – Persevered through persecution and suffering to spread the gospel. His courage inspires our missionary zeal (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Jesus – Endured the cross to save humanity. His supreme courage purchased our eternal life (Mark 15:33-39).
Courage With Humility and Wisdom
Courage must be tempered with humility and wisdom or it can turn to prideful folly. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). Moses’ impulsive murder of an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12) and Peter’s brash attack at Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10-11) are examples of unwise courage. True courage submits to God’s will and timing. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Godly Courage in a Fallen World
Living courageously for Christ is not easy in a fallen world. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). But Scripture repeatedly urges us not to lose heart (Galatians 6:9). With Christ’s power at work within us, we can confidently face every trial. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). The rewards for courageous faithfulness far outweigh any earthly consequences. As Jesus declared: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Our courage brings glory to God now and eternal blessings.
Courage to Keep Fighting
The Christian life is often compared to a battle. We need endurance and courage to continue fighting against sin and the ways of the world. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). The writer of Hebrews urged, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:3). Fixing our eyes on Christ gives us courage to never give up.
Bible Stories of Overcoming Fear With Courage
Many Bible stories illustrate courage in the face of fear. These accounts inspire believers to trust God and stand firm no matter the opposition:
– Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5-12)
– Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
– Joshua conquering Jericho (Joshua 6)
– Gideon defeating the Midianites (Judges 6-7)
– David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
– Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3)
– Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6)
– Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
– Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4-5)
– Paul surviving shipwreck (Acts 27)
These examples remind us of God’s power and faithfulness. With Him, we can courageously overcome anything.
Courage is a Choice
Each day we face a choice: give in to fear, or trust God and live courageously for Him. As we rely on the strength of the Lord, we can choose courage in every situation. The Bible says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Christ’s power enables us to face each day with boldness and confidence.
Choosing courage is often difficult and requires dying to self. But Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). When we surrender fully to Him, He gives us supernatural courage to live for His glory. Our faith decision to be strong and courageous opens the door for God to work mightily through us.
Bible Verses to Give Courage in Times of Fear
Fear can be overwhelming, but God promises to be with us in times of trouble. Here are some encouraging Bible verses to meditate on when afraid:
– “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
– “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)
– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
– “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
– “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
– “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
– “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God is our ever-present help in times of need. Fixing our eyes on His great love drives out all fear.
Courage to Accept Help from God and Others
Admitting we need help and reaching out to God and others requires humility and courage. But Scripture tells us this is a wise and godly thing to do. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Paul testified that he relied completely on God’s strength in the midst of his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Asking for help allows others to encourage us, while God receives the glory.
It takes courage to acknowledge we don’t have it all together. But this opens the door for God’s strength and grace to sustain us. We all need help sometimes. Leaning on Christ and His Church brings victory out of weakness.
Trusting God’s Strength to Overcome Fear
Fear and anxiety can feel overwhelming. But courage rises when we focus on God’s strength rather than our weakness. “The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Believing that God is bigger than any challenge we face allows us to walk in courage, not fear.
As we step out in courageous obedience, we can trust that God will be faithful. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). His presence and power cast out all fear.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible gives believers many examples of courage and instructions to live courageously. As Joshua was charged, all Christians are called to “be strong and courageous” because God is with us (Joshua 1:9). Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in the strength of the Lord despite feeling afraid. With trust in God’s sovereignty, presence, and power, believers can choose courageously in the face of opposition and boldly obey God’s will for their lives. This brings glory to Christ, benefits His Kingdom, and leads to eternal reward.