Never Alone
Scripture Reading — Joshua 1:1-9
"Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Moses was dead. Joshua's friend and mentor for more than 40 years was gone. The whole nation mourned the passing of Moses for an entire month (Deuteronomy 34:8). Long after that time of grief, Joshua would continue to miss Moses. But Joshua had to move on and take up his responsibilities as leader of God's people. It would be lonely and difficult.
The Lord showed Joshua, however, that his future peace of mind and success did not depend on Moses. The man of God was dead, but the Lord himself remained very near. God promised Joshua, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
If you have lost a loved one, you may not be able to imagine a future without that person who meant so much to you. But the Bible shows us there is life after death not only for the person who died but for all who must go on living. "Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
This benefit of salvation is priceless. When you are lonely, you are not alone. When you feel afraid, divine comfort is near. When the task ahead seems impossible, divine power will strengthen you. When you wonder what to do next, God's Word will nourish and guide you. Jesus says, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Thank you, Father, that you are always near, that nothing can separate me from your love in Christ Jesus. Walk with me wherever I go, and help me to sense your presence. Amen.
About the author — David Feddes
Dr. David Feddes is pastor of Family of Faith Church and provost of Christian Leaders Institute, which supports mentor-based ministry training through online courses. David is also adjunct missiologist for Crossroad Bible Institute, which provides biblical distance education to more than 40,000 people in prison. Previously he served as broadcast minister for the Back to God radio program, reaching people in more than fifty countries. David earned his Ph.D. in intercultural studies from Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL. He and his wife, Wendy, have nine children (one in heaven).
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