Be Strong and Courageous

So often in life my biggest fear is being alone. It's a terrifying thought for me. I love my friends and family and cherish them but I also know how human we all are. I also know that God has a plan for my life and it is truly perfect. Right now, that plan does not include a significant other….But will it ever?! During my Bible study today, almost ALL of the Bible verses including God telling us that we are not alone.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them for the Lord you God goes with you; He will never forsake you. (NIV)"

The very first thing that God tells us is to be strong and courageous. Say what?! There are so many times a day that being strong and courageous seems impossible! We all go through situations and times that leave us shaking in our boots! But then, God tells us why we should not be afraid but to be strong and courageous. He goes with us. Isn't that amazing!! God doesn't say, "I'll be watching up here the whole time, don't you worry!" No. He goes with us. He is right beside us every step of the way. He is in the thick of our mess and right alongside us. Then He tells us that He will never forsake us. Praise You, Father! When things get hard or we let Him down, He will not leave us! He so desperately wants to be with us and will tough it all out when some people will walk away. He tells us this over and over in Scripture! He assures us that He is in this thing for the long haul! He is with us! He will not leave us!

"David also said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.'" 
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said:
'Never will I leave you;
Never will I forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Also in Deuteronomy God says, "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

So often our fear or whatever feeling is make us feel inadequate can consume us. I know it happens to me a lot! Dear friend, that should not be so! God wants us to live in freedom from our fears and anxieties! He wants us to trust Him with ever single emotion and circumstance.

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Friend, He cares for you. He cares for you so deeply it is life-changing. He loves you so much that He was willing to die for you. He still is. Not only was He willing to die for you; He did. And He would do it again in a heart beat.

"Don't be afraid…I've called your name. You're mine.
I paid a huge price for you…That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade creation just for you."
Isaiah 43:1,4 (The Message)

Because of His radical love for you, He wants you to be free! Free from all of your sins, your hurts, and feelings that hold you back or keep you from Him.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:1

Slavery, friends. That is what Christ considers anything that keeps us from Him.

So, dear brothers and sisters, be strong and very courageous. If you are feeling weak, cast those anxieties at His feet! He cares deeply for you. So deeply that He would never dream of leaving you! You are His! He paid a great price for you! Jesus longs to be our champion.

Lord Jesus, be our champion. We surrender all of our anxieties and icky feelings at Your feet. We are wholly Yours. Have thine own way, Lord!

All glory, honor, and praise be to You and You alone!