A Promise From of Old

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Happy Wednesday, Everyone. 😊 Last week, we talked about the commission that we all receive as disciples of Jesus. And the promise that He will be with us always. But this promise of God wasn’t a new thing with Jesus. The context was different, but this is a promise that God gave many times in the Old Testament, as well. 

This verse is one that speaks strongly to my heart right now. Maybe it does to your heart, as well. 

Joshua was commissioned for the leadership role that Moses had filled since the Exodus. In the first nine verses of Joshua 1, God tells him that He will be with him multiple times, just as He was with Moses. Just like Jesus’ words, this passage speaks to a commission and a promise.

The comfort in these words is hard to miss. But, unfortunately, very often it is in the dark times of our lives that we forget that God is with us. We may even feel that God is distant from us as we wonder where He is and what He is doing in our lives. As a wise person once said (I can’t remember who), if we are feeling distant from God, it is because we moved, not God. God never moves away from us. He is always there no matter our circumstances. And He is always holding us through whatever path we are walking.

I think it is much easier for us to feel God’s Presence when things are going smoothly in our lives. We can thank Him for all that we have and all that is going on in our life adventure. When we are celebrating and joyful, it’s easy to praise God and give Him the glory that He deserves.

It’s much harder, in the struggles of our lives, to give God the praise that He deserves. We wonder where He is. We wonder why He is allowing such struggle and darkness to invade our lives. We may even doubt His love and care for us as we seek to find answers that we may never know. This can lead to more frustration and resentment – more bitterness – and more distance from the One who promises to hold us through every chapter.

David knew this all too well. He suffered through many times of darkness and struggle. Yet many of his Psalms speak to glorifying and praising God in spite of his circumstances. Even in the face of fear and possible death, David still worshipped and praised his Maker. We can take David as a great example. David trusted God and knew that God had his back – always.

I don’t ask God “why” anymore. I have come to understand that, as Romans 8:28 says, all things work together for good. While the struggle is real, the goodness of God and His mercy and grace – and Presence – are just as real. I try really hard not to move away from God when things are tough. I try really hard to move toward Him, to embrace His Presence, and to feel His Peace. I have seen Him take my struggles and turn them into blessings as I move past them and am able to help others deal with much the same circumstances. I have learned that He is with me wherever I go.

How do you deal with struggles? Do you move away from God or do you move toward Him? Do you rely on the promise of Joshua 1:9 for yourself, knowing that nothing is too big for God to redeem? How do you use this promise from of old to help others who are struggling through a time of darkness?

I pray that all of us would embrace God’s Presence and take Him at His word when He says we don’t need to be afraid or discouraged because He will always be with us.

Blessings and Love, 😊 Ceri