Confidence in the Lord is expressed and believed. Though evil people walk around boldly because they have the upper hand, those who trust in the Lord will be strengthened by their God. We know that he protects us from such people forever. Though at present liers oppress and deceive I can have confidence in the love of the maker and sustainer of the universe.
Fear will drive a person to either withdraw from a happy and productive life or drive to sin and destruction. Fear does not exist when I have confidence in the Lord Jesus. Fear and courage are opposites.
When Moses died and the Lord was about to bring the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land Joshua and the people were tempted to be afraid because the wicked Canaanites were proud and confident. It was then that the Lord told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9) Now is the time for followers of Jesus to be strong and courageous.
