“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is attributed to Moses. It contains his final messages and instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses encourages the Israelites, reminding them to be strong and courageous as they prepare to face challenges in their journey.
Strength and Courage: The command to be strong and of good courage implies that the situation ahead might be difficult or daunting. It acknowledges that the journey of faith is not always easy, but God’s people should remain steadfast and resolute. Strength and courage are not based on our own abilities but are derived from a deep trust in God and His promises.
Fear Not: Fear is a common human emotion when faced with uncertainty or challenges. However, God repeatedly calls His people not to fear. In this verse, Moses encourages the Israelites not to be afraid of their enemies. Similarly, God calls us today to trust in Him and not to fear the trials and tribulations that come our way.
The LORD Your God Goes with You: Moses reassures the Israelites that the Lord their God is with them. This promise is significant because it signifies that they are not alone in their journey. God’s presence and guidance will be with them every step of the way. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that God is always with us, offering His guidance, protection, and support.
He Will Not Fail You, Nor Forsake You: God’s faithfulness is unwavering. Moses assures the Israelites that God will not fail or abandon them. This promise extends to all believers. God is trustworthy and will never leave us nor forsake us. Even in the midst of trials and challenges, God remains steadfast and true to His word.
Application to Our Lives:
- Trust in God: We are reminded to trust in God’s faithfulness and promises. Even when we face difficult situations, we can find strength and courage in knowing that God is with us.
- Overcoming Fear: Rather than allowing fear to paralyze us, we should choose to rely on God’s strength and promises. Trusting in Him helps us overcome fear and move forward in faith.
- God’s Presence: We can take comfort in the fact that God is always present in our lives. He walks alongside us, providing guidance, comfort, and support in every situation.
- God’s Faithfulness: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness throughout history and in our personal lives helps us to build and strengthen our trust in Him.
