GOING BEFORE

And he Lord, He it is that doth
go before thee:
He will be with thee,
He will not fail thee,
neither forsake thee:
fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Much time is given to God's instruction to His people prior to entering the Promised Land. He spoke to the people and to Moses and then to Joshua as the new leader is commissioned. Moses because of disobedience knew he wouldn't be entering the Promised Land because of past disobedience. I must say that looking at these final chapters of this book of Deuteronomy reminds me in so many ways of our own culture today and I'm still wading my through it.

I can't imagine the fear the people felt knowing they would be venturing into the Promised Land minus the leader they had come to know and love. It had been a long “field trip” but Moses wouldn't be going any further with the people. This left Joshua in charge and I really can't imagine his feelings...feelings of loss of Moses while looking to future days with him the new leader. He had some really big sandals to fill.

We too are now into a new year. We're told to be encouraged of new days filled with wonderful opportunities...the encouraging phrases continue. However, having come out of 2020 with much of the dust of it still clinging to us, there is uncertainty. Uncertainty in anyone breeds fear. We are commanded over and over to “fear not.” We should know by now that God never gives us a command we cannot obey while relying on His power in our lives.

I've deliberately typed out the above verse like I did for a reason. There are a lot of God's promises bundled into that one verse. Someone might say, “Are you taking this verse out of context?” Having seen the character of God throughout the Old Testament and knowing we are His people now just as they were, what He promised them is for us today. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. They were venturing into a new land and in that land there were difficulties as well as joys awaiting them. You and I sit at the start of a new year. There will be joys but there will be difficulties. Lest we begin to wallow around in the unknown, look what God promises in this new venture:

*God will go ahead of us making our way plain
*He will be with us
*He won't fail us
*God won't forsake us ( run off and leave us)

Thus we aren't to be fearful nor dismayed stepping into new territory. The word “dismay” can cover a lot of territory: loss of courage, sad, upset, all that can lead to depression. Let's step forward with courage knowing God will make our way clear and will make all things work together for our good.

Father, we claim Your promises for this and any year. May we live in obedience and in Your power. Help us to keep an eye on You as You lead. In Jesus precious name...Amen