Kristene DiMarco + Bethel Music - Take Courage Lyrics

Take Courage

Take Courage Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on April 7, 2017, "Take Courage" by Kristene DiMarco with Bethel Music arrived as an anthem of steadfast faith amidst uncertainty, quickly becoming a staple in worship spaces around the world. The song emerges from a heart posture deeply rooted in the conviction that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, even when circumstances feel overwhelming or stagnant. It speaks directly into moments of waiting, fear, and doubt, offering not just a hopeful platitude, but a call to anchor one's soul in the unchanging character and promises of God. The essence of the song is the profound truth that courage isn't found in mustering internal strength, but in recognizing and relying upon the strength, presence, and faithfulness of God Himself. It’s born from the scriptural understanding that our ability to face trials comes from His spirit within us, not our own inherent bravery.

Analyzing the song's impact requires looking beyond the melody, which is both soaring and comforting, perfectly suited to DiMarco's powerful yet tender vocal delivery. The true weight of "Take Courage" lies in its theological grounding and practical application for the person navigating difficulty. The core message resonates with the frequent biblical exhortation to "be strong and courageous," understanding that this command is almost always accompanied by a promise of God's presence and assistance. For instance, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses tells Israel to "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Similarly, Joshua is commissioned with the same words in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." The song echoes this foundational truth, reminding the worshipper that the call to take courage is validated by the reality that God is actively *present* and *working*, even behind the scenes or in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

Furthermore, "Take Courage" speaks powerfully to the season of waiting, a theme deeply explored in Scripture. Psalm 27:14 encourages, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" The song captures this tension: the difficulty of waiting combined with the encouragement to remain steadfast during that time, not based on a timeline, but on the reliability of the one being waited upon. It challenges the inclination to give up or grow weary when prayers aren't immediately answered or circumstances don't change quickly. The song essentially translates scriptural principles about endurance and trust into a musical form, providing a sonic reminder of verses like Isaiah 40:31, "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." The courage spoken of here is the courage to continue believing, the courage to remain hopeful, and the courage to maintain peace while God's plan unfolds. It’s a courage rooted in the assurance found in Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." The song doesn't minimize the struggle; instead, it lifts the gaze from the storm to the sovereign God who walks through it with us, empowering us to face it with a quiet, determined faith.