If I may pry, how do you try to apply it?
Okay, let me give this a try.
I've often considered myself a coward. And in some ways this has protected me from making decisions that would have been harmful to me. But as a believer I am not to have a spirit of timidity but of boldness. And we are assured that life in this world will be filled with pain and suffering, especially for a believer because of persecution. But as I get older I am beginning to realize that the price we pay here in suffering is nothing compared to the glory we will have with Christ. I am learning to think in a more eternal sense rather than here and now. But believe me, I am always dropping that ball!
Also, not letting things/ sins that I struggle with be what identifies me. I am promised that no matter what comes along in this life I will not be separated from the love of Christ! That is huge! That is amazing! And salvation is a gift of God through grace without merit to anything I have done, do or will do!
I think of Betsy Tenboom. She was in a prison camp in WW2. She was sick and getting weaker all the time she was in there. But her hope was in Christ! The weaker and closer to death she became the more she tried sharing God's love to others. Her joy was increasing! She died there. She is an inspiration to me. That should be how I live.
I apologize if I am getting preachy.
Hope that helps.