A Sunday Night Devotional for WPC by Pastor Elliott
Deuteronomy 31:8
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
It’s natural to wonder about the future. Even those of us who are “content to live in the moment” types wonder about what the future will bring. It’s also natural to be anxious about the future, particularly in worrisome times.
The scripture listed above are the words of Moses, spoken to God’s people centuries ago, but they are timely words to us, as well.
Here’s how the Word of God affirms us in worrisome times:
1) God’s Word affirms the experience of anxiety when we are entering “unknown territory.”
The Hebrews were about to enter unknown territory (the Promised Land!) and they were afraid for their future.
Certainly, we are entering into unknown territory with the outbreak of the coronavirus and we are anxious about the future.
And so, The Bible affirms our experience and feelings of anxiety as God’s people throughout the ages have faced “unknown territory” and its accompanying anxiety.
2) These words encourage us to be reasonable, not reactionary.
Remember, we have never, truly and comprehensively, known what lies before us even in ordinary times. Even when things are going well, there is always the possibility of calamity. Some of you know this from personal experience. So, in one sense, while today’s territory feels uncertain to us, it has always been so.
We have to take precautions, be smart and responsible - but we don’t have to be reactionary, I.e. unduly fearful or anxious because we can consider, reasonably, that our situation is always one of complete dependence of God - truly and comprehensively.
But the most powerful resource for us from this text is this:
3) Whatever is ahead of us, the Lord is there too.
“It is the Lord who goes before you.”
God is not quarantined. God is in-control. The future is filled with the presence of God and God will meet us there as one fully aware of the terrain and ready to guide us through it. Those were the words of Moses to God’s people, then – and they continue to be God’s word to us, today!
So remember, in your anxious moments, to tell your heart,
“It is the Lord who goes before me! He will be with me! He will not leave me nor forsake me. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
May God’s promises bring peace to your heart.
Pastor Elliott
P.S. Here’s a private prayer to conclude your devotion:
Dear God,
With all that’s happening in the world due to the coronavirus spread, I feel anxious. I feel anxious for my health, my family, my coworkers and employees, the community, and the world. Help me, Lord, to continue to trust you and to not be afraid. I know that you are with me now and will be with me tomorrow and into the future. Please protect me in this worrisome time.
Additionally, Lord, please empower and protect those who are working on the vaccination. Guide their work to quick and good results. Please be with doctors and nurses who are on the “front lines” of our care. Give them energy for the task, compassion for patients, positive dynamics in their team-work, and faith in You.We ask these things in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
