Have you ever felt alone or afraid as you were about to take a big step into the unknown? Have you experienced a cross-cultural struggle that just seemed too big to handle? Do you have days when you wonder if moving across the world was really such a good idea after all?
This verse in Deuteronomy comes as Moses speaks to the people of Israel at the end of his life. They are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, and Moses gathers them together for some final words. He has been their leader for many years, but he tells them that he won’t be going with them across the Jordan into the land of Canaan. Remember what was waiting for them in the Promised Land? Enemy nations! Can you imagine how you would have felt if you had been one of the Israelites that day?
Moses then promises the people that the Lord their God would go before them into the land and drive out those nations as He had already begun doing. Moses assures the Israelites that, through the Lord’s deliverance, they would take possession of the land, and at this moment he speaks the words of encouragement in Deuteronomy 31:6. He doesn’t deny the reality of the enemy nations, but he exhorts the people not to tremble at them but rather to “be strong and courageous” in light of the Lord’s presence with His people. It’s as if Moses is saying, “God’s presence matters more than the presence of your enemies. He is bigger and stronger, and He’s going to win the battles for you.”
Jesus speaks similar words of encouragement in John 16:33 when he tells his disciples that in this world they would indeed have trouble and suffering but that He had overcome the world. As Christians today, we can apply Jesus’ words to our lives: we take heart or take courage because Jesus has won the victory over our fears and struggles. We will have troubles–that’s a given! We don’t have to deny them or pretend they aren’t hard. In the midst of our troubles we look to Jesus, our conquering Savior, the One who suffered much for us, and take heart that He rules and reigns over this world.
In what types of situations are you tempted to forget God’s promises to you and to give in to fear?
I can think of a couple of types of situations that easily cause me to fear. I struggle with fear of the unknown when we’re faced with uncertainties about our residency situation where we live. I often forget how the Lord has always provided for us and that He will continue to do so, regardless of what happens with a piece of paper! I also sometimes struggle with fear related to my children. I forget that God is the one who changes hearts and that He loves them even more than I do!