Friday, June 5, 2015

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 A Devotion


Deuteronomy 31:6-8

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He also said them to Joshua who would become God’s leader for His people. Moses had taught the Israelites over the years who the LORD God was by pointing our His actions for the Israelites - provision of food and water, clothing, signs and wonders, and the defeat of their enemies. The Israelites learned to trust and follow the LORD over their 40 year history with the LORD. Now Moses tells and reminds them that the LORD will be the one who goes across the Jordan River before them and who will defeat the Canaanite nations so as to give them the land He promised to their forefathers – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In our lives, we have encountered God, too. We have seen His hand heal family and friends. The Lord brought healthy babies to us. During droughts of income, He made food available to us. During times of despair, the Lord sent friends and His messengers to encourage and help us. In the sunrise, He showed us His grandeur. Through storms, the Lord showed us His power. We learned about and came to know the Lord just as the Israelites learned about and came to know the LORD.

This message Moses gave the Israelites then is one we can take to heart, too. The Lord is the same today as He was during the Old Testament times. Through Moses He said, “Be strong and courageous; do not fear.” He meant this then and even today. We find these same words about God being our strength and shield in Joshua 1:5 & 10:25 (against enemies), and Hebrews 13:5 (for needs). Those words of God 3400 years ago are just as pertinent and valid today. We can take heart, be courageous, and not fear because He will never fail or forsake us.

Are you going through a difficult time now? Does it feel you cannot keep going or that you might not make it through? Remember God loves you; He is your strength. Remember He will never leave you or forsake you. You are not alone and you do not have to rely on your own strength. Take the strength of God. Remember Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-20 [NASB])

Call on the Lord today for your help. He will come to you.