Devotional: Not Alone

Devotional - Not alone

by Rachael

“Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Message:

Such a great prayer verse and a great reminder that we are not alone, and never will be. I am a big fan of always reading verses in context and this verse is so very comforting when you read it in context. You see, this verse was given not to the Israelites but to one single person, to Joshua. Joshua was about to take on the huge responsibility and calling of leading the Israelites into the promised land.

When I read this verse one of the things that stands out to me the most is the last bit, just after he says do not be afraid, he says ‘do not be discouraged’. (Some versions say dismayed).  What a piece of advice that is! Like he knew that Joshua was going to face times when he felt discouraged or dismayed, that he was encouraging Joshua not to give up, and to keep pushing forward. Possibly, and this is my speculation, drawing on the experience of his feelings.

And just a reminder that The Lord goes before him and can go before us! That he will never leave or forsake us. I find that so comforting knowing that. Do you?

The dictionary defines discouraged as “having lost confidence or enthusiasm; disheartened. Other translations have it as dismayed to which the definition is “cause (someone) to feel concern and distress”. I have felt like this at one point or another, sometimes feeling like I have failed, that there is no point, and become discouraged. Sometimes I have remembered the above truth quickly and other times it has taken me a while. This week I am going to memorise this scripture and maybe even place it somewhere that I can see it every day because although I am not Joshua, I know those words are true for me to.

If you are in that place of discouragement or dismayed or even disheartened, I encourage you to read that verse again, and let it settle in your souls because dear brother or sister in Christ, you are not alone! God will never leave you.

Prayer pointer:

Take time today to remember that God will never leave you. Ask Him to go before you and guide your steps this week. Take comfort in knowing that He will NEVER leave or forsake you.