READ DEUTERONOMY 3
GO DEEPER
In Deuteronomy 3, Moses reflects on the hardships Israel has faced, including their journey to Canaan and the appointment of Joshua. Amidst this reflection, Moses confidently declares his faith in Deuteronomy 3:22, "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you."
Many of us struggle with fear, whether it's fear of the unfamiliar, fear of not succeeding, fear of illness, fear of being rejected, or fear of change. Just like Moses reassured Joshua that he didn't have to fear the obstacles ahead, this scripture shows us that we also don't have to be afraid, as God has preserved it for our reminder.
God not only tells us not to be fearful but also provides a reason why we should not fear. We do not have to spend time, effort, and emotional or physical strength struggling with the fears that trouble us because the Lord is already fighting those battles for us! The key question of "How do you combat fear?" is answered simply here: by placing our trust in the God who fights on our behalf.
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses demonstrates that an essential aspect of having faith in God is recalling the ways in which God has previously intervened on your behalf. As mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:30-31, we are reminded of this principle. "The LORD your God which goeth before you, He shall fight for you, according to all that He did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place." Moses wanted the Israelites and Joshua to recall the genuine and daunting fears they had experienced, but he emphasized that not only did the Lord guide and support them through those trials, but He also led them ahead to their current position, poised at the threshold of entering the Promised Land.
Psalm 139:5 says, "Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me." God is always present ahead of us and behind us. It can be challenging for our limited minds to comprehend his omnipresence, but the Bible consistently reinforces this truth. In moments of fear that obstruct our vision of the blessings awaiting us, we can declare without hesitation, "Do not fear, for the Lord your God is with you," and have faith in His unwavering support.
QUESTIONS
1. What fears do you regularly confront?
2. Do you struggle to have faith in God when faced with those fears?
3. Take a moment to reflect on how God has helped you in the past. What actions can you take to rely on God with your fears moving forward?