But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

Kingdom courage has the boldness of a lion.  This courage is not timid. This courage is not passive.  Rather, it is passionate, proactive, and ferocious. What would it be like if we lived lives with passion, purpose, and with a furious zeal for life?  This is the type of life that I want to live. I desire to life a full, courageous life. And that type of life, that type of courage is built in the secret place.  So, as is true with so many other areas of life, it’s imperative that our hearts are rooted in the secret place.

The secret place is the place of growth for our hearts.  The hiddenness of meetings in this sacred space allow our hearts to thrive in an environment where nothing is lacking (James 1:4).  Courage, when developed in the secret place, is MIGHTY. David and his Mighty Men gathered strength and courage during their time in the cave of Adullam (1 Sam 22:1-23:5).  Hidden in the cave, these men were able to position their hearts before the Lord. The result was a band of united, courageous and victorious warriors for the Lord (2 Sam 23:8-39).  Similarly, courage was built up within Queen Esther as she sought the Lord in prayer and fasting (Esther 4). This courage enabled her to approach the King and prevent the massacre of her people (Esther 5 and 8).  Following in the steps of these courageous ones, we too must see the Lord in the secret place for his courage to be built up within us.

Investing in the secret place does not affect only our own courage, though.  It positions us to put courage into others. New Testament authors, Old Testament prophets, and psalmists encourage us time and time again.  But they also call us to encourage one another. While encouragement is often viewed as complimenting someone or affirming them in their identity, giftings and position, I think it can be so much more.  I think encouragement can be looked at putting courage into people. Through prayer, conversations, and acts of service, we can help to put boldness and courage into those around us (1 Thess 5:11) (Heb 3:13).  And surely, we are called to be bold and mighty men and women. We are called to be courageous.

And so, Dear Saints, be full of courage.  Call courage to the front and center of your noble heart.  Seek the Lord in the hiddenness of the secret place and allow him to make your heart bold and fearless in His love (Prov 28:1) (1 John 4:18).