I’m a coward at heart.

On dark days, I want to stay in my pajamas all day and eat potato chips.

My gut reaction to a crisis is to look for the M and M’s and crawl back in bed. If I want to be brave, I will brush my teeth and move to the couch where I switch to popcorn while I binge watch Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.

It comforts me when I read the Psalms and realize David often hid in a cave. My couch is kind of like my modern-day cavern. I close the blinds and watch TV in a dark room to keep the big, bad world at bay.

But here’s the thing: David didn’t stay in the cave forever.

My couch potato skills are an ineffective defense mechanism. Plus, I end up putting on more pounds from gorging on all the junk food.

Some days you’ve just got to brave it.

Last week, I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. And, after 24 hours of bonding with my couch and the remote control, I decided I needed to go digging into my Bible to see exactly how David managed to move from the cave to a mountaintop.

Maybe like me you are tired of living defeated and desperate. So, in case you want to put on your big girl pants and learn how to brave your bad days, I want to share what I discovered about courage from a little old-fashioned Bible study.

4 Ways to Unlock Your Courage and Brave a Bad Day

Run to God First

When life hits you hard, your first instinct might be to pick up your phone and call a friend to vent and ask for advice. Resist the urge to whine your way through. Simply ask your Deliverer to show up strong on your behalf.

“O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right.” (Psalm 31:1, NLT)

Follow Your Leader Foremost

When you are in the mire, it’s hard to stay standing. Sometimes, we think we need to wrestle harder and push through, but the best move we can take is to step aside, slow down, and let the One who has the answers take the lead. He will whisper peace to you if you press pause and pay attention to His promises.

“You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.” (Psalm 31:3)

Surrender the Reigns fully

Determine you will not demand your way and stay fully devoted to God’s directives. Empty yourself of pride and persevere in what you know pleases Him.

“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” (Psalm 31:5, NIV) 

Trust God is in Control Forever

You can move forward without fear because your faithful God is always mindful of you. God is bigger than bad days. 

“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” (Psalm 31:14-16, NIV)

You never have to brave it alone. Your God is a bulwark Defender who rises up to protect you. Keep your eyes firmly planted on His faithfulness to find your courage.

I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to help you remember your God is bigger than bad days. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises every morning to help you brave it and get going this week. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

When we stop hiding in our caves and step forward with confidence in God, everyone around us will wonder how we are still standing as we face crazy circumstances. Stepping into the light with confidence in our faithful God will encourage other weary souls to find strength and hope in God. He will always show up strong and surprise you when you brave it for His glory.

Learn to brave bad days by leaning on your big God.

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Want to dig deeper into the Word together?

Join me Live on Facebook on Mondays at 2:00 EST for Fired Up and Hopeful:

A verse by verse study of I Peter. Catch the replay on YouTube.

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