He shall say: “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:3-4
Many times, I see these Old Testament verses as having a double meaning. The priest was talking about actual war and fighting, but it seems also to speak to us with relation to the daily battles we face here on earth—the war of simply surviving in a world gone crazy. God went with the Israelites into battle to assure them victory, and he is with us all day, every day, to assure us of victory as well.
I read a devotional this morning that asked the question: What would this world be like if God was not in it? As I read the devotional, a thought occurred to me that wasn’t mentioned: If God were not in the world, love would not be in the world. Think on that for a moment….
Suddenly, this world does not seem so crazy. Yes, there is evil and greed, there is murder and mayhem, but there is also love. God is here. And He is still in control. I know sometimes we all wonder how God can be in control when things are as they are. But I think I’ve just stumbled upon the simplest of answers; turn away from the bad…. Focus on the good—God and His love for us.
Go boldly into each day without fear, for our God goes into the day with us to fight against all that will come against us, and He will give us victory.
I believe that.
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