"Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him" (2 Samuel 10:1).
Courage and trust in the Lord's providence go hand in hand. The armies of Israel, let by Joab and his brother are surrounded by enemies, Things look bleak. And yet, it is just the right time for manly courage. O Lord help us to respond to trouble with brave hearts. There is far too much whining and weakness among men today. Courage is needed! It is needed for marriages, families and the church.
This is no an unintelligent courage. It is courage based on trust in God who works all things together for the good of those who love him. Even what others mean for evil, God can use for good. Joab's finest moment comes when he believes in the goodness of God, whether the battle is lost or won. He is, in faith ready to take a risk for God's people, for God's cities.
What do we need courage for today? Busy schedules, hard relationships, pressure to conform to the world, the temptations of the flesh, health concerns, limited and diminishing resources, or other problems that seem unsolvable? Let us face these things bravely, knowing that our God is good and he is with us. We need not fear taking risks for him.