Blessing of Boldness

“Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them… as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11,12).  “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).  “But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God… And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:55-60). 

There is a boldness God will give

To everyone who trusts the Lord,
A blessing thus to boldly live
That God the Spirit will afford. 

Our God alone provides this grace

In every circumstance revealed,
In every time, and every place,
Since He is our Defense and Shield.

Our righteousness is freely given

By faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Without His grace we would be driven
Forever from God’s judgment throne.

The wicked (those rejecting Christ)  

Are rightly therefore filled with dread:
The things by which they are enticed
Shall not defend them when they’re dead!

Consider Stephen at the time

When he stood boldly, yet with love,
Reproving sinners of their crime
Against the Savior from above.

As Stephen looked with confidence

He saw the glory of his Savior
He knew that Christ was his Defense,
And He would shield him with favor.

We see his boldness then was large

As he beheld the Savior’s glory. 
“Lay not this sin,” Lord, “to their charge,”  
He prayed, concluding his bold story. 

O Lord, we thank for our rest

Beneath the shelter of Your wings,
As with such boldness we are blest
Because You are the King of kings. 

Lord, grant us boldness in this fashion,

As we are trusting in Your care,
To manifest Your own compassion
And show Your grace which we declare.