March 16, 2012 (Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
Observation: Moses is giving the children of Israel some final words of encouragement. He has laid out all the commands of God, he has warned them about serving and worshiping other gods, and he is encouraging them to be strong and courageous when they cross over the Jordan river to siege the land God is giving to them. This land is full of giants, but Moses said, “be strong and courageous and don’t be afraid. Don’t panic before them for the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will lead you in this fight and He guarantee’s victory! The land will be yours, but don’t forget God when it is!
Application: The more I learn about the children of Israel, the more I understand our world today. We cling so closely to God in the wilderness, yet abandon Him in our times of plenty. How many times have you cleared the false gods and clutter out of your life in the wilderness, only to replace them with new gods and new idols in your times of plenty? When we cling to God at all times we can take courage. We can be strong and courageous because God personally goes before us making the way. We don’t have to live in fear or panic at the site of our enemies when we know God is with us. He has gone before us making the way for victory! He will not fail you nor abandon you, so be careful not to abandon Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You have made, bless it and make it a wonderful day! Thank You for the confidence I have in You. I can be strong and courageous because I know You go before me. I don’t have to be afraid or panic before my enemies because Your strong right arm will not fail. You found me in the midst of the wilderness. I accepted You, and You delivered me and brought me out. I have not forgotten You in my times of plenty and I confidently trust in You to go before me and defeat my enemies. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily, in Jesus name, Amen!