Be of Good Courage by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 29, 1871

“Be of Good Courage.”

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THIS is an exhortation frequently found in the Bible. When Moses sent the spies on the dangerous work of spying out the land of the enemy, he said to them, “Be ye of good courage.” Num. 13:20. When Moses was about to be taken away from the people, he exhorted them to “be strong and of a good courage.” Deut. 31:6. Then he called Joshua who was now to become the leader of Israel, and admonished him to “be strong and of a good courage.” Deut. 31:7. After Moses was dead, the Lord appeared to Joshua, and said, “Only be thou strong and very courageous.” Josh. 1:7. And again: “Be strong and of a good courage.” Verse 6. When Joshua was about to die, he said to the people, “Be ye therefore very courageous.” Josh. 23:6. David, in his last advice to Solomon, says, “Be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” 1 Chron. 22:13. So the psalmist exhorts all the saints to “be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Ps. 31:24. In similar language Paul exhorts his brethren to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10. To Timothy he writes, “My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 2:1.

All this shows that God does not want his people to be discouraged and cast down; but to hold up their heads and hope in him. He is almighty and can easily impart strength when needed. What is weaker than a discouraged man? God’s servants should never yield to this feeling, but rely on God and thus honor him.

D. M. CANRIGHT.