Courage, Dear Heart

      "Courage, Dear Heart" Aslan spoke these words to a young Lucy Pevensie as she was on an adventure in the land of Narnia, afraid of what was coming her way. Oh how I feel like Lucy sometimes. A frightened child needing comfort. Needing to be reassured that I'm on the right path. That I'm not alone. Needing to be spurred on to action. Needing to know that I'm not defeated.

How does one thrive in a world intent on beating us down? How can you have courage when everything in you begs you to fear? Courage seems like a laughable idea when you think about everything that is bent on our destruction. When it seems the world is against you and you've lost your way. When it seems you're on your own against the onslaught of an innumerable army, How does one have courage? This is the question I have been asking myself for a long time. Where does defeat lie and how close am I to falling into its trap? What has fear done to my heart and mind? Has it paralyzed me? Am I moving forward? Do I fear that I'm not moving forward? Do I fear that I've been forgotten? These thoughts cloud my mind and judgement.

The thing I've always loved about Aslan is the way He so understands Lucy. He understands her willingness, but also understands her weakness. Though she may shine with courage one minute she is overcome with timidity and fear. He sees her in these moments and whispers words to her that are simple yet so powerful. "Courage, Dear Heart". The comfort flows from such a simple statement.

In the book of Joshua we meet, you guessed it, Joshua! He is a man of courage and steely resolve. But God even recognized in him the propensity for timidity.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Just as Aslan did for Lucy, so God did for Joshua. Though the words are different the mentality is the same. God promised Joshua that he would not be alone, and that He would be with him.

What is the antithesis of courage? If courage is what spurs us on to action, fear is what binds us to passivity. As we read the Bible we find that there are a few commands that are repeated. But, one of the most prevalent is "Fear not". Why is it so imperative that we fear not? Why does God mention this so many times and why do we see it as such a prevalent theme through all of scripture?

What does fear do to trust? What are we really saying when we are fearful? What are we saying about our belief in the goodness of God when we are overcome with fear? In 1 Timothy we are told that we are given a spirit of power, love and self-control not of fear. If we are truly living in the new life of Christ which is promised to us then fear has no place in our hearts because they are wholly engaged in the power, love and self-control given to us by the new life of Christ. Our trust in God is what keeps fear at bay. His mere presence makes fear disappear.

Some of the last words Jesus says to His followers are a command. "Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful". This is important guys.  If God dispells fear then why do we not seek Him more? Do we like being afraid? Fear is easy. Its our natural state. We're fearful of our future. We worry about money, about jobs, about relationships, We are fearful.
 Courage is hard. Its a challenge to "fear not". Courage is a constant choice. It is a conscious state of being. We must decide what we're going to do. Are we going to fear or are we going to trust? Will we fear our futures and the unknown? Will we trust that God is good to us?

 "Courage, Dear heart".