DEVOTION – DAY 306

Deuteronomy 31:8 “Do Not Be Afraid”

 

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 

The background to this verse was that after leading the Israelites for 40 years, Moses was already 120 years old. It was time to let Joshua, his assistant, to take over the leadership. In front of the gathered Israelites, Moses told them that Joshua would take them into the Land that God had promised to their forefathers. Moses reminded them that the Lord Himself would be going ahead before them. They may face many enemy nations ahead as they took possession of the Land. But, the Lord would be with them. The Lord would never leave them or forsake them. He urged the Israelites not to be afraid nor discouraged.

 

In the same way, we have just begun a new year. We do not know what lies ahead. We do not know what illnesses we may face. Our jobs and businesses may face uncertainties. Our relationships with others may face challenges. We may encounter successes and failures in the new year. We may travel a great deal, or our travel plans have to be postponed because of something unexpected in our lives. Much of what lies ahead in the new year is uncertain but one thing is certain – the Lord’s presence is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We do not need to be afraid or discouraged as a result.

 

A man was diagnosed with cancer that had spread. He knows that 2023 will be a year where he will have to face a battle with cancer. He will have to take an aggressive course in chemotherapy. The treatment will likely cause him to suffer from various side effects. It is not something he looks forward to. In addition, there is a possibility that he may have to follow that with radiotherapy. He is trusting that the Lord will be with him throughout his treatment. No matter the outcome of his treatment, he will depend on the Lord because he knows the Lord is with him. He is at peace and he is not fearful because he believes that when he has God by his side, there is no need to be afraid. This is the attitude we should have with whatever we may face in 2023.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant presence in our lives, guiding and watching over us. As we look ahead to the new year, please help us to face whatever lies ahead with grace and strength, knowing that you are in control. We pray in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Are you looking forward to the future, or are you fearful about uncertainties? Share.
  2. How does the knowledge that the Lord is with you and will never forsake you give you encouragement and help? Share.
  3. How has the Lord come to your assistance in the last year that gives you confidence to face what lies ahead?