Good Courage

How many times have we heard this in the Bible—“be of good courage”? But have you ever stopped to think what that means? What exactly is “good” courage? Is there “bad” courage? Well, keep reading!

The Hebrew word for “courage” is ‘chazaq’, meaning “to prevail, to be firm, be caught fast, be secure.” It is interesting to note that “chazaq” in this passage is a verb—it’s an action, not a possession which is acquired. Thus courage—like love—is a choice we make. We must actively resolve to be courageous through life, and continue making that decision. Courage is not something we get—it’s something we do.

So we’ve covered courage. But now what about the adVERBs before? (Since “courage”, in this instance, is not a noun.) I believe that “good courage” is a mindset. It is hopeful, anticipating, long-suffering. It clings to hope during the hard, trying times, always looking forward in anticipation of the blessings ahead. It is patient and willingly takes on every battle, knowing that God is ultimately in control. It always searches for the good in things.

So, based on that definition, we can see that there can be “bad” courage. If we are merely tolerating life, grudgingly continuing only to reap the reward and not to become more Christ-like, that could be considered “bad courage”.

We must be careful not to miss the point in life—to be changed into the image of Christ! This can be a hard, sometimes frightening process, which is why we must daily choose to face whatever may befall us with good courage. And that will not go unnoticed! King David in the Psalms assures us that if we are courageous, and look forward with the hope of being changed into Christ’s likeness, then the Lord will strengthen your heart. He will give you that courage you chose to have. He will strengthen your heart to endure what you chose to go through. He promises. He will deliver.

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” ~ Psalm 31:24, KJV