April 2, 2025
Be strong and courageous
Read: Deuteronomy 31, 32; Psalm 92; Luke 2: 25-52
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31: 6 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."
Observation: In Deuteronomy chapter 31, when Moses was giving his final instruction to Joshua to lead the Israelites, we see the repeated occurrence of the phrase "Be strong and courageous" (v. 7,8, 23). Moses would not be there to lead the people into the promised land. Moses was aware that his earthly life would come to an end soon. But God is always available to lead his people. When leaders change, or God's people face an attack or threats from enemies, God encourages his people by saying, "Be strong and courageous" (Josh.1, 1 Ch.22:13, 2 Ch. 32:7). Godly people need not worry or be afraid about the future. Because, as we see in the bible passages mentioned here, God always goes with his people. God never leaves his people nor forsakes them. No matter what challenges or dangers are ahead of us; God comes with us. He wants us to be confident to face them without any fear. With God's ever presence with us, we can "be strong and courageous."
Application: When I face difficult times of my life, when I fear about the changes that are taking place in my life, when I encounter great challenges in my life, and when I am about to enter a new place or start a new thing, I should remember that God is with me and he would never forsake me. Instead of worrying and fearing about the future, I need to "be strong and courageous" by remembering God's constant presence with me. My fears and worries do not help me. They could collapse my strength and peace. God comes with me, and he is the source of my strength and courage.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your unchanging love in the changing world. As I enter a new day or a new phase of my life, help me remember that you are with me. My God, irrespective of the situation I face, give me the required strength to walk with you in all of my life, to "be strong and courageous." Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 92