bold -adjective
—not hesitating or fearful; courageous and daring; refers to confidant bearing in the face of difficulties or dangers
A few of years ago, my husband and I took a cruise to Mexico. We had a wonderful time seeing the sights, reconnecting with one another and creating some new memories. One excursion we decided to join was a Canopy Tour. Not easy for a girl that prefers to have her feet on the ground, but for the love of my husband, I gave it try.
When we arrived at the site, we were geared up with a harness, hard hat, gloves and after a short safety demonstration we were led to our first “jumping-off” point. The platform itself was only a few feet off the ground. No problem. So with the help of my guide I hooked onto the cable strung between the trees and “flew” through the air to the next tree. I now would find myself standing on a very small see-through landing about 25 feet in the air. Not too bad.
Actually, at this point I should have really started to feel a little bit uncomfortable with my surroundings but that just wasn’t the case. Instead, I felt exhilarated and secure. Ready for more! I think this was due much to the ever present guide who was taking charge of safely clipping my harness from cable to cable and encouraging my progress through the course. Her expertise set my mind at ease and a certain boldness set in as I continued to travel from tree to tree, eventually finding myself at a height of one hundred feet up in the canopy.
Who would have thought that clinging to the side of a very, tall tree would turn out to be a wonderful experience, but it was just that. Fear of falling should have taken over, but instead peace was present. The fearful surroundings melted away, replaced by a feeling of security as I trusted the expert. And with that security, it allowed me to really enjoy the experience.
Another person we know had a somewhat similar encounter in his life. In Matthew 14, we find an account of a time when Jesus walks across the stormy surface of the lake to join his disciples. Not many of us are surprised as Jesus walks on the water. After all, we expect miracles from Him.
It is only when a follower named Peter steps out of the boat to join him that we begin to wonder. A mere man doing the impossible. What is so special about him? Only Peter’s confidence in the Lord would keep him afloat. As long as Peter’s confidence was in Jesus he walked safely across the waves, but the moment his security sifted to his environment, he began to panic and sink.
Psalm 28:7 says—
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” [MSG]
This Psalm implies that David was in need of help, and he trusted the Lord who strengthens and shields him. The word for trust here is batach. It translates have confidence, to be secure, to be bold. Another way to put it is—David was secure with a bold confidence that the Lord would help him in his time of trouble.
Bold also describes Peter as he stepped out of the boat and headed toward his Lord. He had no doubts while his eyes were fixed on Jesus. We can also operate in boldness in all our circumstances if we do the same. And just as David’s heart leaps for joy and thankfulness, so shall ours as we securely move forward toward the Lord.
Be bold. Step out confidence.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NET
Journal your travels—
What is keeping you from following Jesus wholeheartedly? Are you too fearful to take the leap not knowing where He might take you? Jot down the pros and cons of a life entrusted to God. It may just lead you to a jumping off point into a very grand adventure.
