The letter “Y” made me think of the color and of some of the historical and cultural uses of yellow that have not been very complimentary in how we look at various people groups beyond our own culture. And what about the expression: “yellow bellied coward?” Where did that come from? The color yellow more than any other color is associated with terms like cowardice and treachery in many cultures of the world. I think of yellow and it takes me to my stomach area and when I have felt quite ill in the past. “Sickness” comes to mind. I think of yellow bile. During such times we are really the opposite of courageous: no fire in the belly. Sick people don’t fight well. It is critical if we are going to survive those tough times in life when things are going well to state ready as much as is possible physically and mentally for those tough times that all of us experience from time to time that are a part of life’s experience. In spite of a real effort we all enter such times. It seems that uncommon trials are a common factor in life no matter our beginnings. We don’t know when those times will come upon us so we must develop a regimen of discipline. Good habits and life routines are essential if we are to come through our trials successfully. One vital habit is to begin each day with the reading of God’s Word and looking to Him for guidance in the day’s activities. Have you developed that routine? Don’t be a yellow bellied coward when things seem to be going south on you. Look to God. Jeremiah 46:14 “…stand fast and prepare thee: for the sword shall devour round about thee.” I Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, standfast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Standfast is used twelve times in the Bible. It is an important word in God vocabulary. It is not the habit of coward to do this.