Bible Theme
Bible Verses About Courage
Boldness in faith
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but trusting God in spite of fear. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands His people to be strong and courageous, not because circumstances are safe, but because He is with us. True courage flows from confidence in God's presence, power, and promises, enabling us to obey God even when it's difficult or dangerous.
Explore Courage in Radiate
Get daily verses on courage, guided reflection, and personalized insights.
What the Bible Says About Courage
The most frequent command in Scripture is "do not be afraid" or "be strong and courageous," appearing hundreds of times. This repetition reveals both our human tendency toward fear and God's consistent encouragement to trust Him. When God commissioned Joshua to lead Israel, He said, "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). The foundation of courage is God's presence with us.
Courage in the Bible is always connected to obedience to God. It's not reckless bravado or foolish risk-taking, but stepping out in faith to do what God has called us to do. David demonstrated this when he faced Goliath, declaring, "The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). His courage came from previous experiences of God's faithfulness.
The early church exemplified bold courage in proclaiming the gospel despite persecution. After being threatened by authorities, Peter and John prayed not for safety but for boldness to continue speaking God's word (Acts 4:29). Their courage came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to witness with boldness. Courage is both a command and a gift—God commands it and provides the power to live it out.
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Fear and timidity don't come from God; instead, He gives us a spirit of power. When we feel afraid or inadequate, we can ask God to fill us with His Spirit, replacing our fear with divine courage. This courage enables us to share our faith, stand for truth, face opposition, and obey God regardless of personal cost.
Key Verses on Courage
Joshua 1:9
"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."
God's command to Joshua reveals the source of true courage: not our own strength, but God's presence with us. We can be courageous in any situation because God goes with us. His presence transforms fear into faith and weakness into strength.
Psalm 27:1
"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
David declares that with God as his protector, there's no reason to fear. This rhetorical question challenges us to recognize that no enemy or obstacle is greater than God. When we truly grasp that God is our stronghold, courage becomes the natural response.
2 Timothy 1:7
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
Paul reminds Timothy that God doesn't give a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. Courage is available to every believer through the Holy Spirit. When we feel timid or afraid, we can ask God to fill us afresh with His Spirit, who produces boldness.
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Moses encourages Israel with the promise of God's constant presence. Courage is sustainable because God doesn't just send us out alone—He goes with us and promises never to abandon us. This assurance enables us to face any challenge without being terrified.
Acts 4:29
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
The early Christians didn't pray for persecution to stop but for courage to continue their mission. This demonstrates that biblical courage isn't about comfortable circumstances but about faithfully fulfilling God's calling regardless of opposition. They prioritized obedience over safety.
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
This proverb contrasts the fearful anxiety of the wicked with the confident courage of the righteous. Those who walk in righteousness and trust in God can be bold as lions because they know God is on their side. Right standing with God produces courageous living.
Practical Application
- 1
When facing a fearful situation, declare God's promises of His presence aloud, replacing fear-based thoughts with truth from Scripture.
- 2
Step out in one specific act of courage this week—sharing your faith, having a difficult conversation, or taking a stand for what's right—trusting God to give you strength.
- 3
Study biblical examples of courage (David, Esther, Daniel, Paul) and ask God to develop similar boldness in your life.
- 4
Pray specifically for boldness to obey God in areas where fear has held you back, asking the Holy Spirit to empower you.
- 5
Remember past times when God has helped you through difficult situations, letting those memories build confidence for present challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- What situation in your life currently requires courage, and what is keeping you from acting boldly?
- How does remembering God's presence with you change your perspective on fears you're facing?
- In what ways has fear prevented you from obeying God's call on your life?
- What would it look like to pray for boldness rather than for comfortable circumstances?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His promise to be with you always and to never leave or forsake you.
- Ask God for courage to step out in faith and obey Him in specific situations where fear has held you back.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with power, replacing timidity with boldness.
- Ask God to help you trust His faithfulness based on how He's proven Himself in the past.
Continue Exploring
Grow in Courage
Get daily verses, personalized insights, and guided reflection on courage.
Download Radiate Free