Be Strong and courageous

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:6-8 ESV. 

Ever found yourself feeling like you are stuck in a rut, unable to see a way out? Have you experienced moments where it seems as though you are constantly facing a barrage of trials and tribulations that leave you feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you are in a situation where the threat of eviction looms over you like a dark cloud, or you find yourself struggling to make ends meet, unable to cover your bills and fulfill your basic needs. You might even feel an unsettling fear when contemplating the call that the Lord has placed on your life, feeling paralyzed by the weight of that divine expectation. Yet, despite these daunting circumstances, we are reminded not to succumb to fear, for our God is always with us, walking alongside us through every storm. He never abandons us, no matter how dire our situation may seem. He does not want us to be dismayed, which is to say, distressed by the unexpected twists and turns that life throws our way! Why should we allow ourselves to be consumed by fear when the Lord, who created the universe, knows the plans He has for us? Why burden ourselves with stress today when God assures us that our paths have already been laid out according to His divine purpose? The crucial question we must ask ourselves is whether we truly trust in God's character. Do we have faith that He will provide us with our daily bread and living water, sustaining us in both body and spirit? If your answer is yes, then turn to God in prayer about all your concerns! He is fully aware of our struggles, but He longs for us to approach Him, to seek His guidance and comfort. This desire for relationship is at the heart of our divine design: to forge connections with our Creator and with one another. We must always place our trust in our Lord! Father, we thank You for your unwavering desire to have a relationship with us! El Shaddai, we are grateful for Your omniscience and goodness! Thank You for consistently providing for our needs, wants, and desires! We are incredibly thankful that nothing can thwart Your unchanging hands! We humbly ask You to draw those in need closer to You for every concern they may have! Please soothe their anxious hearts and remind them that You are always working things together for their ultimate good! Empower them to be bold and courageous in pursuing the paths You have set before them! We express our heartfelt gratitude for Your unwavering love and support. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.