INTRODUCTION
In Part 1 of Good Courage, we learned that the path of divine purpose is often marked by challenges, opposition, and uncertainty. To remain steadfast until God’s purposes are fulfilled in our lives, we need what Scripture describes as ‘good courage’. This courage is inspired by a godly spirit that produces the right attitude and a faithful response in difficult circumstances. In contrast, ‘bad courage’ is rooted in ungodly attitudes such as fear, pride or self-reliance, rather than faith in God.
In this second part of the series, we will examine the qualities that characterize good courage, drawing from the psalmist’s testimony in Psalm 31:1-8. We begin with ‘Trust in God’, the foundational attribute. Trust in God enables us to endure hardships, overcome uncertainty, and persevere as we carry out His purposes. It is the foundation upon which good courage is built.
1. TRUST AND GODLY COURAGE
To trust in God is to possess an inward and often invisible conviction that is demonstrated outwardly through the choices we make, the risks we are willing to take, and the dependence we place upon Him. Trust is the cornerstone that unites humanity with God in a spiritual relationship, from which we draw the courage to act faithfully in every circumstance.
Throughout Scripture, we see that those who entrusted their lives and purposes to God developed a deep spiritual relationship with Him and, as a result, found courage in times of difficulty. This is evident in the lives of Noah, Abraham, House of Israel and King David (Genesis 9:8-17; 17:2-8; Exodus 6:7; 2 Samuel 7:4-7; Hebrews 8:10; 11:7).
A believer who trusts God will obey His Word, depend on His wisdom and power, make godly decisions, rely on His promises, and persevere through difficult situations. Trust in God is like an oasis from which we draw refreshing water in a dry and thirsty land. (Psalm 69:2). When we experience spiritual dryness, weariness, opposition, or overwhelming challenges, our trust in Him sustains and strengthens us.
2. CONFIDENCE IN GOD IS TRUST
If we trust God to address our challenges and meet our needs according to His purposes, we should rely on Him so completely that our choices reflect our confidence in Him, even when circumstances are uncertain. Placing our confidence in God for every situation should not be daunting when we recognize that no plan, power, or purpose stands above His authority, and that no difficulty can arise outside His knowledge, permission, or greater purpose.
3.DEMONSTRATING CONFIDENCE IN GOD
How may we demonstrate confidence in God to inspire godly courage?
3.1. Do Not Put Confidence in Mortals
The first way is to refrain from placing our trust or confidence in human beings. The Scriptures teach: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man…” (Psalm 118:8-9). Trust, in this sense, is not merely a feeling or belief that God will meet our needs; it is confidence that is expressed through our actions. The actions themselves are not trust, but they are the outward evidence of trust at work within us.
For example, although God may use people to accomplish His purposes in our lives, our trust should not rest in them or in their ability to help, protect, or fight for us. Rather, our confidence should remain firmly rooted in God.
Human beings are naturally limited, as they are subject to competing influences, weaknesses, and interests (Isaiah 2:22; Jeremiah 17:5; Micah 7:5).
This is one reason why God commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves, yet to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our ultimate devotion, confidence, and dependence belong to God alone (Mark 12:30).
The foundation of our confidence in God is the understanding that He is Almighty, loving, faithful, righteous, just, merciful, and incapable of lying. His promises are certain and trustworthy (Hebrews 6:13-18; Genesis 22:16; Isaiah 45:23).
As we grow in the knowledge of His character and faithfulness, we are strengthened with godly courage to face every circumstance with confidence and hope.
3.2 Use Godly Currency in Transactions
If we say that we have confidence in God, we should avoid using ungodly means to accomplish a godly purpose. For example, a person seeking to make peace, which is a divine purpose, should not resort to deceit or manipulation to achieve it, for such methods ultimately produce confusion and disorder. We must therefore endeavour to use godly currency in all our transactions.
David provides a powerful example of this principle in his encounter with Goliath. He demonstrated confidence in God by placing his trust not in a sword, spear, or shield, but in “the name of the LORD of hosts.” He went into battle confident that God would deliver the enemy into his hand, for “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
Brethren, the temptation to use ungodly methods, tools, and attitudes to achieve earthly goals is especially strong during prolonged conflicts and difficult trials. The pressure of the situation may tempt us to compromise our values or adopt worldly ways to obtain quick results. Yet such methods can damage our integrity, lead us away from God’s paths of righteousness, and draw us into the snare of the wicked.
God’s promise is that “the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity” (Psalm 125:3). Therefore, confidence in God requires that we trust Him not only for the outcome but also for the means by which that outcome is achieved.
3.3 Balancing Confidence with Humility
Brethren, we must balance the actions we take to demonstrate confidence in God with humility in our approach to every situation. While we should be confident that God is sovereign and in control of our circumstances, we must also strive to do good and remain upright in heart.
When faced with pressure to make ungodly decisions or participate in actions imposed by others, we should avoid strife and anxiety. Instead, we should remain prayerful, maintain a pure heart, and continue trusting in God. Where circumstances limit our ability to resist openly, God sees the intentions of the heart and judges righteously.
Therefore, our confidence should not be expressed through pride, stubbornness, or self-reliance, but through humble obedience, patience, and trust in God’s justice. In the end, even when circumstances appear beyond our control, God is able to overturn evil purposes and bring about His righteous will without guilt being imputed to those who have remained faithful before Him.
4. TRUST AND OBEDIENCE
Trust in God requires obedience to His Word and a willingness to act upon it. To avoid falling into disobedience and discouragement, we must guard against doubting or disregarding God’s Word and His power to accomplish all things according to His will. Abraham demonstrated such trust when he obeyed God’s call to leave his father’s house and journey to a land that God had promised to show him (Genesis 12:1-8).
Brethren, God’s methods of accomplishing His purposes may not always make sense to us, for His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Nevertheless, we should endeavour to obey Him, paying careful attention to the instructions, principles, procedures, and timing revealed in His Word.
King Saul provides a contrasting example. God commanded him to wage war against Israel’s enemies and to destroy all that belonged to them. However, Saul chose not to follow God’s instructions completely and spared some of the livestock under the pretext of offering sacrifices to the Lord. Samuel rebuked him, declaring, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Samuel further explained that rebellion against God’s command is comparable to the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is akin to iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). Such attitudes are incompatible with a life of faith and cannot produce godly courage.
True trust in God is demonstrated through obedience. When we obey God’s Word, even when we do not fully understand His purposes, we show confidence in His wisdom, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Such obedience strengthens our faith and inspires godly courage in every circumstance.
5. LOYALTY: TRUST GOD AT ALL TIMES
Brethren, to sustain godly courage, we must not only trust in God but also remain loyal and faithful to Him. Loyalty to God means trusting Him at all times, for there is no circumstance or season in which we are exempt from placing our confidence in the Lord.
In times of trial, our trust may be tested. When prayers seem unanswered, desires remain unmet, or difficulties persist, we may be tempted to lose hope. As hope diminishes, our courage can also begin to wane. Yet true loyalty to God is demonstrated by continuing to trust Him even when circumstances are challenging and His purposes are not immediately evident.
We express this faithfulness through diligence in our responsibilities, steadfastness in our conduct, and consideration for the needs of others. Rather than becoming discouraged or abandoning our duties, we should continue to serve faithfully, trusting that God sees and rewards obedience.
Thus, loyalty to God is not merely professing trust in favourable circumstances; it is remaining faithful in every season. Such steadfast trust strengthens godly courage and enables us to persevere until God’s purposes are fulfilled.
6. KEY THOUGHT
Brethren, trust in God is the wellspring of godly courage. The greater our trust in Him, the stronger and more steadfast our courage becomes. God may work through people, but our confidence must rest in Him alone. The deeper our relationship with Him, the greater our confidence to face life’s challenges with faith, obedience, and perseverance.
The believer who trusts God wholeheartedly will rely on Him rather than man, choose God’s ways rather than worldly methods, remain humble and faithful in every season, and obey His Word without reservation. Such trust produces the courage to stand firm, persevere through trials, and fulfil God’s purpose in life.
PRAYER
Almighty Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the grace to walk in godly courage.
Dear Lord, help Your people to trust in Your saving grace and mercies through Jesus Christ, that they may endure and overcome the difficult situations they face.
Gracious Spirit, renew their strength and help them commit to walking in Your ways. Embolden them to tear down every idol and vanity in their lives and let their loyalty be to You above all else. Give them humble hearts, gracious Father, that their boast may remain only in Your power, goodness, and strength.
Provide for all their needs according to Your riches and mercy, and reward their trust, faithfulness, and courage in due season according to Your perfect will.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 07 June 2026
‘Good Courage’ (Part 1) @ (https://childrenofgrace.faith/good-courage-part-i-_courage-and-godly-purpose/
Messages @: https://childrenofgrace.faith
