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.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
As I write this post, Scotland is in the grip of Storm Éowyn, which travelled across the Atlantic, hitting Ireland and the UK with the highest winds in a generation. We in Fife are in a red warning zone where the winds are gusting from 80mph to over 100mph. Most public buildings and services have closed to keep folks safe, and we are staying cosy indoors with an eye on our outdoor structures as they take a battering. Yet I am not afraid; my confidence is in Almighty God – the Master of the storm. I am reminded to be thankful that Storm Éowyn is small compared to what disasters other parts of the world have experienced this year.
I am reminded of the story of Jesus being awoken amidst a fierce storm on Lake Galilee by the fearful disciples. “He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.” (Matthew 8:26). Over the years, I have learned that I can be just like those disciples; gripped by fear of the storms of life, and I have had plenty of them.
The encouraging words of Moses in our verse were delivered to the Israelites before they entered the promised land, and he wasn’t going with them. They need not fear what lay ahead but have total faith in God, who would go with them. These were powerful words then as they walked into their storm, and also now for every child of God experiencing the storms of their lives. Indeed, God promises every believer, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 15:5b).
Dear Reader, whether we face weather storms or life storms, if we are redeemed children of God, He goes with us. His promised presence is our security, whatever life throws at us.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
