East Dallas Church of Christ

THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO

Have you ever noticed how God reacts to the idea of being afraid or worried? We find throughout Scripture that God does not see them as appropriate reactions. Regardless of the situation, God wants us to understand that He is always in control. What this means is even though things may not go as we would like, that does not mean that we should allow our fears to overwhelm us. Joshua 1:8-9 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

We are expected to find strength in the fact that God is with us where we go. Notice there are no caveats or exclusions. God promises to be with us wherever we go. All we need to do is remain faithful to him and stay strong in His word. The mistake many make is their source of strength is themselves or something in the world. The problem occurs when we realize we are not in as much control as we would like to believe. Whether that lack of control results in a broken relationship, a loss of your job, or a bad financial investment; it is tough to make the "best decision" and things don't work out.

Matthew 6:25-27 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If a relationship deteriorates, then trust that God knows you need some space from that person. As difficult as losing your job may be, trust that God understands where you need to be working. If you spent a small fortune on a "sure bet" and found out that bet was not so sure, be confident in the fact that God does not believe you need that money right now. God's goal is for all to be saved and to enter the kingdom of heaven. Anything you are separated from earth may have altered your salvation, and there is nothing more precious than your salvation.

Undre Greggs, Jr.