When Courage Feels Heavy

When Courage Feels Heavy

“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 NIV

God doesn’t just suggest that we have courage. He commands it. Not because He expects us to be naturally fearless, but because He is with us. He’s fighting battles we can’t see, carrying weight we can’t lift, and rebuilding places in us that are broken by storms. 

Discouragement is loud. But God is louder.

Think of a tree after a brutal storm. The wind bends it, shakes it, and strips away its leaves—but the roots hold. . . usually. Courage isn’t the tree standing perfectly tall. Courage is the roots refusing to let go.

God’s presence is the key to courage.

Courage comes from knowing that you don’t have to fight any battle alone. Some battles are God’s, not yours. Even God’s strongest leaders battled discouragement, too. That should tell you that discouragement can be a sign that you’re on the right path. It means you’re wrestling to do God’s will. If you weren’t trying or didn’t care, you probably wouldn’t be discouraged.

2 Chronicles 20 tells us all to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” When you’re afraid or discouraged, you might feel tempted to speed up—to take control of your situation or keep yourself busy so you don’t have to think about your discouragement. Instead, you need to slow down and pray more.

But sometimes we become afraid. Fear exaggerates everything though. Fear makes you discouraged by exaggerating the size of the obstacles in front of you. In Isaiah 7:4, God was talking about two enemy kings whose power was dying out. They weren’t actually strong and powerful; they were more like smoke than fire. God was essentially saying, “Don’t let fear exaggerate their strength.”

Fear also exaggerates your shame, making you dwell on the sins of your past as a reason to doubt God’s plans for your future. Fear steals your courage. But you can fight back by telling yourself the truth rather than listening to it.

Discouragement tells you that the battle is too big. Discouragement is a weapon of the enemy that makes you feel too worn down by the work before you. Sometimes the spiritual battle is intense, and the enemy tries to stop you from building for God. He discourages you by convincing you that the work is too dangerous or difficult. Discouragement can lead you back into the old life you lived before you believed in Jesus. It’s okay to admit when you’re afraid or discouraged, but don’t let fear have the final say. And you can’t quit. Keep doing God’s work.

Always remember that God steps in to rescue the discouraged. Isn’t that what Psalm 34:18 says? “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Things that seem too great for you aren’t ever too great for God. God can rescue the discouraged and those who have given up hope. God brings comfort into your life as you turn to Him in prayer and listen to His words through Scripture. God also encourages us through the people He sends into our lives.

You may feel “spiritually terrorized” or knocked down by life’s challenges, but with God, you’re never knocked out. Like a boxer on the mat catching his breath, you can rise again. You can strengthen your faith and courage by remembering God’s kindness to you and sharing it with other people.

Everyone experiences feelings of discouragement and despair at times, but those feelings can also be linked to physical, mental, or emotional health conditions. If that’s true for you, getting clinical help can be the first step toward having a believing heart and mind again. But whatever you do, don’t give up!

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God or regularly watch the live feed (available on YouTube for the next few weeks), consider reading Genesis 28:10-19 to get ready to worship this coming Sunday, July 19 as Pastor Dale shares some good news from God’s Word for you.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.