Deuteronomy 1:21: “See, the LORD your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
I have had several circumstances in my life that caused me to feel threatened and have anxiety. The first major one that I remember was when our son was three years old, and a Pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN, told us he might have Osteomyelitis and that his legs could fall off, so admitted him to the hospital for tests. Then there was the major event of God leading us in moving from Minnesota to California. That had many frightful ups and downs of circumstances that demanded a lot of courage economically, and newness about everything.
What are your biggest fears? Why do we so often initially forget past answers to prayers when another crisis unexpectedly appears? My hand is raised – I am often guilty.
I wonder what miracles of provision did God provide for my parents when I was growing up that they haven’t shared with me? I need to hear those God things that my parents experienced in their generation.
You and I are not the only ones that have short memories regarding past answers to prayers. In Deuteronomy, Moses is giving his farewell words of instructions to the Israelites, that the LORD had given him to relay. He knew he did not have much longer to live, and the people were encamped waiting to go into the promised land. The people were facing war, temptations of many kinds, and a new way of life, all under the unproved leadership of Joshua who also lacked confidence in his new role of replacing Moses’s leadership. These people were not of the generation that personally experienced the miraculous deliverance of escape in walking through the dry bed of the Red Sea. The need to be reminded of God’s power and God’s laws were prevalent and burdensome on Moses’s heart. That is the setting of Deuteronomy 1:21.
Moses reminded the people that God had told them not to be: scared, afraid, anxious, distressed, intimidated, discouraged, hopeless, disheartened, or depressed in their situation regarding entering the hill country of the Amorites. He focused on convincing the people to trust and obey and to conquer the land.
Lessons to remember, from the book of Deuteronomy, when needing to fight against feeling discouraged, dismayed, and perhaps afraid:
- The Word of God is still sufficient for our needs.
- God’s Word provides the guidance for any situation.
- Moses told the Israelites that they needed to respond to their wanderings in the desert with gratitude and obedience. Still true for us today.
- God’s plan is always to redeem and restore and to give you peace.
- “It is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut. 31:6b.
Questions:
What is God telling you to be steadfast, unwavering, and courageous in currently?
How can we have keen insight for accomplishing success in our challenging circumstances?
God will use your hidden scars. Fears can cause discouragement and despair, but wisdom gained from any pit can only be shared with those who feel the same emotional pain you have touched. They need to hear from you, “I’ve been there – done that. I don’t know it all, but let me tell you what God taught me and how I survived. I have a Red Sea experience too.” That is the glory of God being revealed to others even though our weaknesses may still be present. The lessons are clear. Do not fear or be dismayed. Remember God’s incredible faithfulness in the past. Be encouraged – God has a plan and has gone before you. Learn to listen for His voice as you read God’s Word today seeking His help, strength, and guidance. You are not alone.
Listen to King & Country – joy (Lyric Video).