“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy31:8 NIV)

           This scripture tells us that the Lord himself goes before us.  God leads the way.  He prepares the way ahead of us, before we face unknown challenges. The problem comes into existence when we do not follow in the way the Lord leads.  

Ways, we do this is by not seeking God’s counsel before acting.  Leaning on human logic—forcing open doors through personal manipulation or sheer willpower because we don’t have the patience to wait upon the Lord.  Staying in a familiar place or situation because the next step requires risk or change.  Looking back at old unhealthy habits or situations because the current transition feels too difficult.  Questioning God and God’s timing and blaming God for all of life’s difficulties.  

God will be with us and never leave us nor forsake us. This part of the scripture sounds so simple, but it takes understanding and trust to believe it.  We forget that God’s presence is permanent, unconditional, and deeply personal, acting as an absolute guarantee that you will never face life’s trials alone.  

Look back over your life, and you will see, how God has worked in and through it.  Sometimes, life is hard, scary, yucky, and even frustrating but if we can stop, center ourselves and be still, trusting God to see us through.  Then this scripture will come into being for we will not be afraid nor discouraged, because we know God is with us. God Bless.  Amen.

denise