When I was very young, the nightime brought monsters that I believed lived beneath my bed. Sometimes I would let them drive me from my bed and into the consoling protection of my parents arms. After a “you are a big girl” talk, my parents would tuck me back into the security of my warm bed. My defense against “them” were the covers pulled over my head to protect me.
I soon grew out of the monsters under my bed phase. But I would experience real life situations and people who would cause me to fear and tremble, like the “monsters” of my childhood. Now it is my heavenly Father I run to who comforts and eases my fears.
Moses certainly had knowledge that God was ever present. He led a multitude of people, their belongings and animals out of Egypt. The Red Sea lay before him and the “them” who pursued him was Pharaoh and his army. We all know what happened next. God was there to make a way for His children by parting the sea before them. There would be many instances during the next forty years proving that God does not forsake His children.
An aging Moses was preparing to turn the leadership of Israel over to Joshua. He had some excellent advise for the soon to be new leader. He assured God’s children that God was with them and they would be victorious in resisting the devil, causing him to flee. He refers to their enemies as “them” in this verse of scripture.
There are many “thems” in this world. Like my monsters as a child, they make us feel like running and hiding, pulling the covers over our heads. The thought of the giants coming against us is foreboding. It causes unrest and a sense of impending doom.
The advice of Moses when he spoke to Joshua and Israel is still relevant today. God goes with us against them. Our part in this ongoing battle? We are to be strong and courageous without fear or trembling.
I have met a number of “them” in my life. You have also met them. They come in the form of illness, death, financial worries, stressed or broken relationships, workplace difficulties, concern for our children. They come through the evening news from all parts of the world and here in our own country. We are in a time of great turmoil. But we do not stand alone. We have a mighty God, who will never leave nor forsake us. We are to remember who goes before and behind us. Do not let the menace of our enemies intimidate us to fear. God is with us. His promise is not only for Israel in the days of Moses, but for every believer in Jesus, in this day that we live.
Don’t let whoever or whatever you face today intimidate you to fear and trembling, your great Warrior God stands with you. Pray for God to make His presence known to you today.
~Scripture For Today~
Exodus 14:21-22
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.(NASB)
Exodus 14:26-29
26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. (NASB)
Deuteronomy 31:6
6 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.” (NASB)
Deuteronomy 20:4
4 for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ (NASB)
Jeremiah 1:8
8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. (NASB)
~ Prayer For Today ~
Hello Father! We pray for the wisdom of Moses and the courage of Joshua to stand before them, unafraid and courageous. Sometimes it is difficult to identify who or what the them in our world is. Give us wisdom and discernment for what attempts to take our peace. Make Your presence known to us today. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.