Welcome to Sunday, August 15th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Standing Strong

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  "Standing Strong"

Deuteronomy 31:6 says,

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

As Israel approaches the Promised Land, Moses encourages the people to remember that the Lord not only brought them out of Egypt but that He would be with them as they entered and conquered the peoples of the Promised Land.

He also encourages Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NAS95

Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance.  [8]  "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

This same promise applies to us as well.

Are we ever fearful or dismayed over the circumstances of life? Of course, we are!

Sometimes, our first instinct is to say, "Never!" like it is somehow wrong to admit our struggles. Yet, the Lord already knows our inner struggles or doubts.

For me, our current cultural and societal changes create a certain amount of fear and dismay. Though I am generally not an anxious person, I find myself being precisely that these days.

Does that mean that I am no longer a believer? It does not!

What can and should I do about it?

I learned a long time ago that there is no substitute for prayer. Since prayer is a heart-to-heart conversation with our Creator and Sustainer, I am talking to the one who can help.

Creating fear, discouragement, and doubt are the practical tools of our adversary, the Devil.

I imagine that the Israelites were somewhat fearful of the nations living in the Promised Land. Perhaps they doubted that they could be victorious over them.

God knew their fear and prompted Moses to relay these messages of encouragement to both Joshua and the people.

I noted a moment ago that there is no substitute for prayer when we are fearful and discouraged. Another critical tool is the Word of God. Since we know that other times of fear and discouragement will come, take a moment to create a list of verses to help you combat those times. Keep it in your Bible.

I encourage you to begin your list with:

Isaiah 41:10 NAS95

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Today is the Lord's Day . . . a day set aside to especially honor, worship, and praise the Lord. What better time to take a few minutes to bare your soul to the Lord, expressing the concerns of your life asking Him to provide you with the strength necessary to live out the day.

I know from personal experience that He meets us in our time of need.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

May the Psalmist's words in Psalms 46:1 cause us to stand strong in our faith and trust in You.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

I ask that you would strengthen the hearts and minds of all who are listening.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!