“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Do not be afraid…
Do not be discouraged…
Easy for you to say.
Most of the time I am neither afraid nor discouraged. Most of the time I am doing just fine. But there are times when I do fear and am discouraged. And when I am afraid or discouraged, someone telling me not to be afraid or discouraged doesn’t help. In fact, it’s annoying. I am already experiencing fear and discouragement. How am I supposed to change what I’m already feeling?
Great question.
There are two truths about the verse of the day.
First, peace is not the absence of difficulties, hardship, or fear. Peace is the presence of God. God’s presence changes everything. God doesn’t change what we have to go through in life as Christians, but the presence of God changes how we deal with life. The presence of God is a game changer. God’s presence reminds us that there is nothing in the created universe that can separate us from his love and purpose. The worst that this world could do is death. But because of what God has done through Jesus Christ, death is no longer the end. Death is the gateway to eternity with God.
Second, whether you stay in fear and discouragement or you experience peace has everything to do with perspective. If you’re focused on your problems and the world around you, you will have reasons to fear and be discouraged. But, once you take your focus off of the problems and turn to God, you will experience peace. You are never alone. God is always with you. Through all situations God has a plan and a purpose for you. God loves you. You are never alone. God is God Emanuel – God with us.
Don’t miss – Living in peace and faith is not about how you’re feeling. It’s about an ongoing decision to choosing God and turning our gaze upon God. It’s choosing to focus on God. Once we focus on God, we will have peace.
No matter what you are facing today, you are not facing today alone. God is with you. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Praxis: Faith in Action 