Daily Devotion for January 16, 2006

Looking Down

 

Only be strong and very courageous (brave), that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then will you make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage (brave); do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:7-9

 

Joshua had just been given the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses died. Picture him standing on a cliff of a mountain or small hill, looking into the valley of the Promised Land. Can you imagine what was going through his mind? I'm sure if he was anything like the rest of us, he had doubts, worries, and might have been afraid. I have felt like this.

 

You may be going through a situation right now where there are lots of life changing decisions, most of which will be very painful. You may feel so overwhelmed that the smallest thing will send you into a crumbled state of tears; times where you can't even find the words to pray for what you feel inside your heart. I've stood on that valley where Joshua stood. Maybe you’re standing there now also.  Looking down into the valley of your life, beating yourself up over things that have happened in the past, wondering where in the world God is going to carry you next. When I came across this passage in Joshua, I heard the Lord distinctly say to the quiet place of my heart, "If you remain in My Word, if you remain in Me, you will never be alone. I will not leave you nor shall I forsake you. Have I not told you? Have you not heard? Be strong and of good courage, do not be dismayed nor afraid, for the Lord thy God will be with you wherever you go."

 

Trials are unfortunately a part of every Christian's life. There are those who have lost children, who have terminal diseases, who are unemployed, depressed, suicidal, whose marriages are in shambles, who may have stumbled into sin. Cling to the promises in God's Word, because if you meditate in His Law day and night, you will have good success and He's with you wherever you go, through the midst of everything you're experiencing right now.

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, You are forever faithful, and Your promises are Yours for us to claim. Grant us strength through Your Son Jesus Christ to make it through these difficult times in our lives, and as You showed Yourself to Joshua, show Yourself to us. We know that no matter which way things may turn, You are with us wherever we go. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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