Bold as a Lion

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.”  Proverbs 28:1-2 (ESV)

How bold are you in your faith? How courageous are you when the world comes at you or your family attacking your beliefs?

At the heart of deep faith lies a desire to live boldly for Christ, to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence. This is beautifully summarized in Proverbs 28:1, which declares, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

This verse suggests a profound connection between righteousness and boldness, a theme echoed throughout the Bible. How can trusting in the Lord, living a life of faith, and forgiveness of our past empower us to be as bold as lions in standing for Christ?

Righteousness and Justification through Christ

The foundation of our boldness lies in the righteousness given to us through Christ. In Romans 3:28, Paul writes, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” 

This justification is not earned through our deeds but granted by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice, we are declared righteous before God, and this righteousness becomes the bedrock of our boldness.

Abraham’s story in Genesis 15:6 illustrates this principle beautifully: “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith in God’s promises made him righteous, enabling him to live boldly, trusting that God would fulfill His promises.

Like Abraham, our faith in Christ’s redemptive work makes us righteous, emboldening us to live confidently in the assurance of God’s promises.

Trusting in the Lord

Trusting in the Lord is another crucial aspect of our boldness.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.

This trust in God’s wisdom and guidance frees us from fear and anxiety, allowing us to face life’s uncertainties with lion-hearted courage.

Psalm 32:1-2 further reinforces this trust: “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

Knowing our sins are forgiven and that we stand blameless before God gives us the confidence to approach Him and the world boldly, without fear of condemnation or rejection!

Faith and Forgiveness

Faith is the key to living boldly as a lion.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This confidence and assurance stem from our relationship with Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously.

The writer of Hebrews 11 goes on to offer numerous examples of individuals who, by faith, accomplished extraordinary feats, demonstrating the power of faith to fuel our boldness.

Forgiveness also plays a pivotal role in our boldness. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

This forgiveness liberates us from guilt and shame, allowing us to approach God and life with a clear conscience and unwavering boldness.

Living with a Spirit Free from Deceit

A spirit free from deceit is essential for living boldly. Psalm 32:2 speaks of the blessedness of the one “in whose spirit is no deceit.” Deceit undermines our confidence and integrity, but a transparent and honest spirit fosters trust and boldness.

When we live truthfully, aligning our lives with God’s Word, we can stand firm and courageous, knowing that our hearts are right with God.

Becoming Bold as a Lion

To be as “bold as a lion,” embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, trust in the Lord’s guidance, live by faith, and walk in the freedom of forgiveness.

There are practical steps we can take every day to cultivate this boldness. Here are a few:

• Deepen Your Relationship with Christ: Spend time every day in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word to strengthen your faith and understanding of His promises.
• Trust God in Every Situation: Surrender your fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He is in control and will guide you through every challenge.
• Live Transparently: Strive for honesty and integrity in all aspects of your life. A spirit free from deceit fosters confidence and boldness.
• Embrace Forgiveness: Accept God’s forgiveness and forgive others. Release any guilt, shame, or bitterness that hinders your boldness.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you. Seek His strength and wisdom in every situation.
• Encourage and Support Others: Surround yourself with a community of believers who will encourage and support you in your walk of faith.

The Divine Gift of Boldness

Boldness rooted in righteousness is not a human achievement, but a divine gift granted through faith in Christ. By embracing this righteousness, trusting in the Lord, living by faith, and walking in the freedom of forgiveness, we can live as boldly as lions.

As Believers, let’s strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives every day, standing firm in our faith and courageously proclaiming the gospel to a world in need of Christ’s love.

As we do so, we will not only experience the blessed assurance of God’s promises but also inspire others to live boldly for Him.

May God always guide your path.