Moses was a man with a message. “Do not be afraid.”
Today, we’re camping with the Israelites in Deuteronomy 20. They’re awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. Surrounding them are great empires filled with massive armies wielding superior armor, with incredible training.
Are you shaking in your sandals with me?
Moses speaks to his entourage: “Do not be afraid of them because the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, will be with you.”
Looking around, it was logical for the Israelites to be afraid. The armies loomed large, the armor inspired awe and the training tempted them to tiptoe away in the middle of the night.
But Moses wasn’t telling them to look around. He pointed them to look up, and look back.
Look up to your heavenly Father. Look back on your life’s history with Him.
Do not fear.
Why? The Lord your God is with you.
And, He’s got a proven track record.
I’m not looking around at literal armies, and I suspect you aren’t either. But we do face battles, don’t we? Sometimes legal, financial, sometimes against our own bodies, sometimes emotional or mental.
When we face a battle, we should cling to the promises in Deuteronomy 20:2-4. “So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, ‘Hear O Israel: Today you are on the verge of a battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies to save you.”
When we are on the verge of any battle, we do not need to be afraid!
Why?
Because God goes with us, and He fights for us, against our enemies to save us.
Wow. It’s not up to me.
What a relief!
God is there. He’s got me and He’s fighting for me.
Fear may creep in, but I don’t need to focus on the reason I should fear, but on my Heavenly Father who is taking care of the situation.
I don’t mean to imply it’s easy- I know from the school of hard knocks that it’s not. I suspect you do too.
But it’s possible. Possible not to focus on fear when you’re staring ruin or disease or death in the eye?
With His help, yes. Yes it is.
Not only do we serve a God who will fight our enemies for us, He will equip us for whatever comes. Indeed, His promise in Philippians 4:13 rings true, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Maybe you, like me, need a reminder sometimes. That’s okay! He’s happy to help us there too. Will you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me not to be afraid. Thank You for fighting my battles, even the ones I may not tell anyone about. Please help me trust you with these wars waging in my life. Help me focus on You and our history together, and not the circumstances surrounding me. Thank You for fighting for me and equipping me, In Jesus’ name, Amen.