Singles need to ask God for courage, confident that he will provide it

When we're praying, we singles don't ask God for courage as often as we should.

Too many TV programs and movies have convinced us that being afraid is something to be ashamed of. In fact, we're even ashamed to admit our secret fears to God.

He knows them anyway. Nobody knows the dangers of this world better than the One Who Knows Everything. There is much to fear, both seen and unseen.

Why there's money
in fear

There's a lot of money to be made by scaring people. Companies that sell home security systems thrive on fearful clients. Every night on the TV news, the commercials try to sell us new medicines, warning that we're at risk for one illness or another. Everybody has a car alarm, and many singles are afraid to venture out because of crime and violence.

I'm not saying all of those warnings are exaggerated, but if you obsess over them, you'll find your life shrinking down into a paranoid compulsion to be safe.

Whenever someone is telling us singles something, we need to consider their motive. Too often their motive is to manipulate us.

What God knows about courage

Ask God for courage. He knows you often feel inadequate just to handle the problems of everyday life. He knows you need to be brave to stand up for yourself.

Throughout the Bible, we find God telling his people to be courageous:

"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 1:9)

God's command to Joshua holds true for you today. Notice that he warns us not to be discouraged. Discouragement is a very real, constant threat to single people.

Maybe you want to get married, but it hasn't happened. Maybe your life seems dreary and you can't seem to break free. Maybe your entire existence is dominated by fear.

That's when you need to ask God for courage, and keep asking.

The real reason for our courage

We need to ask God for courage, knowing that we can't summon it up on our own. Our courage does not come from our own abilities, but from God's.

Reread the scripture verse above. Did you notice why we can be courageous? "For the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Whew! That's a relief!

We quickly forget that the most powerful being in the universe is on our side. It's like having an invincible bodyguard.

Now that doesn't mean you can take unnecessary chances, but it does assure you that you're not alone. The fears that you magnify are no match for God. He wants to help you defeat them.

Never forget this truth: When you ask God for courage, he will give it to you, because it's a quality his son Jesus had, and God wants to conform you to the character of his son.

From now on, make this request in your daily prayers, fully confident that the Sovereign Lord of the Universe is with you and for you, wherever you go.

How to stop runaway thoughts...

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