Embolden means “to impart boldness or courage to: to instill with boldness, courage, or resolution enough to overcome timidity or misgiving.”
Merriam Webster
I’d like to share my vision for this writing space. My website’s name, Embolden Us, is really a prayer. It’s a cry to Father to build courage in our hearts, to give us a holy boldness to do the work He’s called us to, to say the words He’s asked us to say, and the faith to ask in boldness for all He’s granted us in Jesus.
Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)
I believe walking in boldness and courage is a choice. It’s also a function of our identity. Who just waltzes up to the throne of a King and asks for whatever they need? The King’s child does. As His child, I get to go to Him and ask for whatever I need. He is a good Father, and He graciously gives all good gifts to His kids. But we access these gifts BY FAITH. We have to draw near in confidence.
What is bothering you?
- Lack of finances?
- Possibility of illness?
- A lack of patience with your family?
- The uncertainty of the future?
Here are a few of His gifts:
● Peace–“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”–John 14:27 (ESV)
Jesus says this right after He told His disciples He was giving them the Holy Spirit who would make His home in them. The Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter. His presence is peace.
●Comfort–“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”– 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Paul recognizes that everything that happened to him was a means for God’s comfort to flow to him and through him for others. What you are experiencing now is meant to move beyond you. Receive His comfort and pay it forward.
●Joy–“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV)
I could write for days about this whole passage. There are numerous treasures! There is a connection between choosing joy, rejecting anxiety, persevering in prayer, and fixing your mindset. When I felt the weight of anxiety, I knew the antidote–praise and prayer. Rend Collective’s song, “Life is Beautiful,” has been my anthem during this season. Check it out HERE. Turning my eyes on Jesus in times of fear or trouble has never failed me. It is a discipline to keep my mind there. So hard! Sometimes, it is a moment by moment of turning to Him. He is worthy of praise. Think on Him, and joy will follow.
●Provision–“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”–Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
The context of this passage is so important. Philippians 4:13 has been used for winning football games or acing exams, but the context here is learning contentment. His provision for us is not always monetary. Sometimes His provision is the gift of dependence on Him and learning not to rely on our own ability to make money or work or fulfill our own needs. Contentment is key here, and it has to be learned, and He will strengthen you to learn it. It is a supernatural gift to us. He is our strength and our provision in need.
Embracing what He’s given us in Christ and recognizing who we are in Him is foundational to walking in courage and bravery. Are you tired of the panic? The spiral? The fight or flight response to every stressor? He is the answer. His grace is sufficient in our weakness.
Embolden us, Father, to walk as Your representatives on the earth.
