God is With You
God is With You
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9 KJV
Throughout the Bible, there are various moments when God tells someone to not be afraid. Each one comes at a time when the hearer has every reason to be very afraid.
In one instance, Joshua, the leader of Israel after the death of Moses, was taking the Israelites to their promised land. He was leading over one million people to a place God had promised, and it meant going through some overwhelming and terrifying situations.
In the midst of this, God commanded Joshua to do two things:
Obey the Word of God and, be strong and courageous because the Lord was with them. (Joshua 1:7-9)
In Matthew 28, Jesus says something similar just after His resurrection. He is with His eleven disciples and He tells them:
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
Jesus tells His disciples two main things:
- Obey His word (“go into all nations and make disciples”) and, He would be with them.
- God is always the same. He was the same God when He gave Joshua His word and the assurance of His presence, and He is the same God who gives us His Word and assures us of His presence. We are known, loved, and cared for by the faithful, consistent God—and He will never leave or abandon us.
Today, reflect on the ways you can teach others about Jesus and His words. How does His Word and His presence make you strong and courageous? Take a moment to thank God for His promise to always be with you.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
The Lord your God—who created this world and everything in it—is with you, and He's for you. You have nothing to fear!
Today, put your courage into practice. Tell someone about the saving grace of Jesus, and how He's changed your life!
PRAYER
God, in You I have all that I need. But when trials come, sometimes I forget that You are in control. I need You to make me strong and courageous. Please give me the courage I need to trust in You. Please give me wisdom I need to honor You. Remind me that You are with me, that You are for me, and that You will continue to direct my steps. In Jesus' name, Amen.