Joshua 1:1-9
How wonderful is
the presence of God? Because of it, I do not need to be afraid or discouraged;
rather I can be strong and have courage. Why? Because God is with me. In my
walk with Christ, I need to remember that I am walking WITH Christ. He is there
with me always. Sometimes, in my weakest moments, I lose sight of Him and I see
all those other things that tug at me and tempt me. So today I rejoice in
knowing that wherever I go today – whatever this day holds – my God goes with
me.
Do not be discouraged. How easy that is to read, and how hard it is to believe it sometimes. Sometimes the day seems like a mountain and I feel like a grain of sand. Sometimes I'm just so terribly, terribly tired of being strong.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I totally agree.
DeleteTrying to be strong all the time is not only tiring and exhausting, quite honestly, it is impossible. But when the Lord is with you, it is not your strength that carries you nor is it your will of power; it is, however, the mighty presence of God, who reveals Himself as Jehovah Shaddai - the Lord God Almighty.
So, while feeling discouraged is part and parcel in living life in this broken world, take heart: for the Lord God Almighty is fighting your battles. He is mighty and awesome in power. And He is with you.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go." This is one of the verses that I like to keep tucked in my back pocket and pull out when it seems like I'm facing a giant. The Lord calls us to some pretty big tasks, but as long as we adhere to His word we will be successful. He will never leave us. What a great reassurance that is!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley, it is exhausting trying to be strong all the time. I know in my heart that God is with me, and that He never leaves me. I can be quiet and listen for God but sometimes the silence is deafening. Then fear and anxiety creeps in. When this happens, I am able to recenter myself with worship or listen to my favorite hymn, "Abide with me". The words to this hymn have comforted me many times.
ReplyDeleteAbide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me
We are never alone with Jesus.