Be of Good Cheer

“The commander … commanded the soldiers to … take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul … so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”—Acts 23:10–11 NKJV

Paul often displayed boldness, courage, and determination. Yet at the core, he remained very human. He had real emotions. He knew what it was like to be afraid and discouraged. We see his human side when confronted by Roman soldiers.

After being threatened by a mob, Paul was taken into the barracks for protection. That night, Jesus Himself spoke to Paul, telling him to “be of good cheer.” Jesus spoke this same Greek word to the woman who touched the hem of His garment and to His disciples after He walked on the water.

Paul needed to hear this message and the specific word that Jesus spoke to him that night. He was reassured. The next morning, Paul was calm and clearheaded, focused and decisive. If there had been any uncertainty or discouragement, it was gone. He was “of good cheer.”

If Paul could feel afraid and discouraged, we should not be surprised if we do too. No matter what we face, we can be of good courage. Remember that Jesus is with us. No matter what our needs are, He knows them. No matter how big our obstacles might be, He is with us to help us face them. No matter who threatens us, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NASB).

Receive His Word today. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Jesus is with you. Be of good cheer.

Reflection Question: Are you feeling discouraged today?