Daily Reflections, Thursday, June 4, 2009

Today's Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6-8

“If anyone in the Old Testament had seen the Lord work in wondrous ways, surely it was Moses. From the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea to the astonishing pillar of fire, he had seen the ever-present power of Jehovah.

But now, it was someone else’s turn to lead God’s chosen people. In our Scripture passage, Moses gave Joshua his heartfelt encouragement to assume the duty of guiding God’s people. He reminded both Joshua and the Israelites that there is no need to be anxious because the Lord would always be with them. As they prepared to cross the Jordan, go into battle and enter the Promised Land, Moses gave them this charge: “Be strong and of a good courage . . . the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee . . . fear not neither be dismayed.”

How often in our walk of faith do we forget that God is at our side? Each day when we cross our rivers and fight our battles, we need to remember to be strong—not in our own strength, but in the strength of Almighty God. The God we serve today is the same One Who divided the waters of the Red Sea and created the burning pillar of fire. It is that God Who abides with us every day of our lives.

Friend, are you fighting your battles in your own strength? Maybe you are a teenager who is wading against the currents of the world while trying to keep a pure mind. You may be a frustrated teacher who is trying to fight off Satan’s darts of discouragement. No matter what battle you are in or what river you are trying to cross, give your battle to Jehovah. Fight on in His ever-present power.

Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” —Alexander MacLaren