Courage and anger–those two are NOT often put together. Maybe anger and foolishness or courage and bravery, but not courage and anger.
Yet, when I was studying the familiar story of David and Goliath I found David having a holy anger. He was appalled that this Philistine Champion could taunt the army of God for 40 days morning and evening and no one from the army of Israel did anything. He saw Goliath’s actions as a “reproach” against Israel and as a defying act against God (1 Sam. 17:26). David was angry and appalled. He immediately determined that something must be done, if no one else would face the champion, then he must.
David’s determination to fight Goliath caused his brother to angrily rebuke him. His brother accused him of glory-mongering and saw his desire as evil. King Saul, who should have been willing to fight the champion, flat out told David he could not fight Goliath because he was too young (17:33). But David would not be deterred. The fire was burning deep inside. He would face the giant with courage and determination. Why was he so determined to risk his own life? He could have dropped the food he brought off with his brothers, visited a few minutes, and headed on back to his father’s sheep. But David was upset. He was offended at the giant’s words and actions. He loved God too much to see his army and name be trampled through the mud. He was courageous because he was appalled at desecration of God.
Are you inspired to courageous and determined action because you are angry. Not sinful anger, but righteous, holy anger that is appalled at sinful actions that desecrate the glory of God. You will not defeat your personal giants until you get angry. It is not until you are appalled and develop a holy hatred for the sin that is besetting you that you will truly break free from it. If you have a holy fire burning inside, you will have the courage to overcome detractors from family and friends. David could march to face Goliath because he was standing up for God’s name and glory. When you stand up for God’s cause against the sin of the world and the sin in your life, you can have courage!
When was the last time you were appalled and angry at sin to the point that you said, “I am going to do something about this, I can’t stand it anymore, even if no one else does, I must”?
