God's tender love for his servants makes him deeply concerned about their inner state. He wants them to have courage. Some people think it's no big deal when a believer struggles with doubts and fears. God thinks otherwise. This verse makes it plain: our Master does not want us entangled with fear. He wants us without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice.

We treat our unbelief like it's nothing. He doesn't. When despair grips us, we're dealing with a serious sickness—not something to shrug off, but something to carry immediately to the beloved Physician. Our Lord takes no pleasure in seeing sorrow written across our faces.

King Ahasuerus had a law: no one could enter his presence wearing mourning clothes. The King of kings has no such law—we can come to him exactly as we are, grief and all. But still, he longs for us to throw off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise. And why shouldn't we? We have every reason to rejoice!

A Christian ought to have a courageous spirit to glorify the Lord by facing trials like a hero. When you're fearful and fainthearted, you dishonor your God. And what a terrible example it sets! This disease of doubt and discouragement is an epidemic that spreads through God's flock like wildfire. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad.

Moreover, unless you keep your courage up, Satan will overwhelm you. But let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior! The joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall gain ground against you. Cowardice? That throws down the banner in the middle of battle.

Moreover, labor is light to someone with a cheerful spirit. Success waits upon cheerfulness. The person who toils rejoicing in their God, believing with all their heart, has success guaranteed. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy.

Therefore, dear reader, "Be strong and very courageous!"