Something to Think About:Do Not Be Afraid or Discouraged
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “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.”
Jennifer has come a long way in navigating years of chronic illness. Her health issues shortened her career as a schoolteacher and had her wondering if she would ever work again. Years later, by the grace of God, she is now doing well enough to consider stepping out and entering the job market again. However, due to past circumstances, she has become less confident and a bit fearful.
Most of Jennifer’s fears are based on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. After much prayer and scripture reading, she found great comfort in this scripture where Moses was admonishing Joshua not to be afraid or be discouraged because the Lord wouldn’t forsake him. She made that scripture personal to her own experience.
In a world with so much uncertainty, we have the word of God and the promises of God to turn to and bring us much consolation. So much can feed into the negativity, stress, and fear we may be experiencing regularly. Many are uncertain about their financial futures in retirement, the well-being of their children, health issues, relationships, global conditions, and an overall lack of security.
Where do we turn to when there is so much concern for the future? As people of God, we have safety in turning to the Lord our God.
It is peace and safety to our hearts when we remember that the Lord will never leave or forsake us. He goes before us and is with us. He not only holds the future, but when we find ourselves in uncharted waters, we don’t have to be discouraged or afraid.
Mark 4:38-40 says, “But Jesus was in the stern, asleep [with His head] on the [sailor’s leather] cushion (pillow). And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are about to die?” 39 And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary], and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]. 40 Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith and confidence [in Me]?”
If we aren’t careful, we equate our trials as God’s neglect. After prolonged periods of hardship and adverse circumstances, we can be tempted to feel God is punishing us because He hasn’t stepped in and rectified the situation. The enemy of our souls will also attempt to convince us that the Lord “doesn’t care that we are about to die,” lose it all, or about to lose our minds.
We must not let the things we see and hear around us get us in an uproar and cause us to live in a state of panic. The message of Deuteronomy 31:8 is evident today as it was in Moses’ day that God will go before us and be with us. We are commanded not to walk in fear and let things discourage us from living the life God has purposed for us. But have confidence in Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lay all our anxieties, fears, and brokenness down at your feet. We cast our cares on you because you care for us. We admit that chronic illness, lack of resources, problems in relationships, lack of self-esteem, and lack of confidence have caused us to walk in fear and be discouraged at times. However, your word says that You were broken so that we could be made whole, and Your resurrection power is in operation in our lives. Lord, we ask that You resurrect our spirits, health, confidence, finances, and everything else that is below Your best for us. Father, give us a glimpse of what You have placed inside us and give us the faith, boldness, and reassurance we need to walk out your plan for our lives. We will not be afraid or discouraged any longer in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Something to think about!