When I think of the word encourage, I see it as inserting courage. When Barnabas brought Saul to the disciples, he inserted courage into their spirits which changed their perspective. They were afraid. When he inserted courage through his words their fear left.

Fear robs us of courage. It paralyzes us. Case in point. Years ago I walked out to the chicken pen to feed them. They were all crowded by the gate. I walked up talking to them but they paid me no mind. I looked down as I put my hand on the latch. There was a snake and I froze in fear.

When God commanded Joshua to be of good courage, He brought strength and courage together. The root to being courageous is knowing that we have God’s strength to face whatever He allows. 

I have read that there are 365 verses in the Bible that say ‘fear not.’ That is one verse per day. I have not looked for them, but it would be a worthy pursuit. Here is one that I have embedded in my heart. Psalm 56:3 says, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Trust, strength, and courage work together. They are activated when we set our focus on the Lord. Verse 4 says, “In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”

Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trust in Him!”