”Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6New International Version (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:6 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Be strong and courageous
In Deuteronomy 31:6, God commanded the Israelites to be strong and courageous. At that time, during the days of Joshua, they had to enter and take land that was highly fortified, and populated with great armies. God had promised this land to them in the days of the patriarchs (Deuteronomy 1:8). And their conquest was His way of judging the wickedness of the Canaanite peoples who dwelt there (Deuteronomy 7:2).
But it wasn’t going to be an easy matter. Just forty years prior, at Kadesh, their parents had refused to enter and take the land because of fear (Deuteronomy 1:28).
Therefore, after decades of wandering in the wilderness, they had another chance to take the land. And if things were to turn out differently from the previous time, they had to “be strong and courageous”. They also needed to “not be afraid or terrified” of the Canaanites “for the Lord their God went with them”. He guaranteed them His divine presence at every stage of their journey to the Promised Land.
The most frightening thing
What is the most frightening thing you’ve ever had to do? Does something seem frightening right now?
Sometimes in life, you are faced with a task or trial that looks bigger than what you can handle. It may even seem impossible that you begin to be terrified.
However, there are no temptations or difficulties that are bigger than God. We fear or tremble because we often compare our capabilities with the task in view.
Remember, just as the command to “be strong and courageous” was so important for Joshua and the Israelites of his time, it is also important for you. And that’s why the Lord repeated these commands multiple times for Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23; and Joshua 1:6-9).
Unlimited God
We are limited in nature, but we worship/serve an unlimited God. God is always available for His children. He knows our limits, He will not tempt us beyond our limits (1 Corinthians 10:13) because He is our creator. No wonder He challenges you and me to be strong in the power of His strength (1 John 4:4). That is, to rely on Him (Philippians 4:13).
Therefore, maintain a constant fellowship with God and you will access His strength. His Word says that they go from strength to strength, everyone appeared before the Lord in Zion (Psalm 84:7).
Prayer/Blessing
Mighty God, I know You are in control of everything in the world and in my life. Despite this, I am often fearful and concerned about the future things concerning my life.
But I pray that You help me cast away my fear. Give me courage. Help me to remember to look up to You for guidance and strength. I know You will not forsake me.
This is my prayer in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Acts 20-22 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
