“Courage is a choice”

I say all of that to say this: The omniscient God who created and transcends time is our best source for facing our fears of the future.

He sees tomorrow better than we can see today. Our Father can therefore prepare us now for what comes next while shaping our unseen circumstances for his greatest glory and our greatest good. All the while, he transfuses us with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” when we trust our fears to him (Philippians 4:7).

The Christ who came at Christmas promised he would be with us “always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His indwelling Spirit will never leave us (1 Corinthians 3:16). His all-conquering love will never abandon us (Romans 8:35–39). He will wade with us through every river and walk with us through every fire (Isaiah 43:2–3). He will open and close doors in accordance with his perfect will (cf. Acts 16:6–10) and lead us through each day until the day he leads us home (John 14:3).

Homer was therefore right: “All men have need of the gods.”

So name your greatest fear for the coming year and place it in his hands. Then claim his promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

David testified, “I sought the Lᴏʀᴅ, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). When we do the former, we can say the latter.

According to Winston Churchill,

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a choice.”

What steps will you take to choose courage in Christ today?

My Thoughts

I really, really needed this call to choose courage today! The last year held a lot of fun and many health challenges. As I face the New Year, I am currently facing possible surgery on a rotator cuff, and right now I am in constant pain, sleeping in spurts as my shoulder and arm allow. But, God! God is taking care of my fears and reaching out to me with all of the love He has for me. I seek Him and He answers me. There have been a lot of middle of the night conversations lately and more than a few tears of pain and frustration. I don’t know what my future holds, but God does, and I am thankful that He will be right there beside me no matter what happens. He is the God who heals me, with surgery or without. He is my Maker, my Healer and my Deliverer.

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve! May the God of all hope walk closely beside you.

For the original article from Dr. Denison, please click here: Denison’s Forum, 12-31-25