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The five thousand had just been feed. It was a stunning day. God had been shown, through His son Jesus, to be an amazing God. As soon as the meal was finished, Jesus insisted that the disciples get in a boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people.

With the crowd dispersed, Jesus climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage [be of good cheer], it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come ahead.” | Matthew 14:22-30 (The Message Bible)

I want more courage. I need more courage.

Jesus is all about courage. Jesus lets me know not to be afraid. Sometimes I am. Jesus comforts me anyway. Come on He says. This is some very good news. Jesus is going to take care of me.

In the Bible, courage is also called “good cheer” as in Mark 6:50 when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who saw Him walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee and coming toward them.

  • The Greek word translated “courage” and “good cheer” means literally “boldness and confidence.”
  • Courage is the opposite of fear. When God commands me to fear not, to be of good cheer, and to have courage.
  • Jesus is always commanding against fear, which is the opposite of courage. Jesus tells me to fear not!

God’s promises to me it is all going to be okay. I can be confident, courageous, and of good cheer because of Jesus.

  • “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Master will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26).
  • Here is the promise of God’s superintending care for me, a care that is absent from the lives of those who reject Him.
  • I have placed my faith in Messiah for salvation, I am to have no fear because “it is my Father’s good pleasure to give me the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

In this great promise lies the basis of my confidence, my courage, and my good cheer.