Be strong and courageous!

NIV Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Global economic downturn, pandemic outbreak and political uncertainty hit hard in 2020. We need to keep social distancing, wear masks when going out and catch up with news all the time. When we lose any hope in the world, we feel stressed, depressed and sad. But God reminds us to fear God, not man, the world situation may not be as good as before in human eyes, but God always have a plan for it and He is working behind the scene for us. 

In the ancient time, God spoke to Joshua and encouraged him by telling him "Be strong and courageous". Joshua took up Moses's role to be Israelite's new leader, the pressure on him was enormous as Moses is a heroic leader in people's heart and he led them out of Egypt. Joshua did not chicken out but stayed in faith and obeyed to God's command, he became one of the great leaders in the scriptures.

"Be strong and courageous" has been repeated many times in the bible, we should trust God is in control in every situation. I know it is hard for us to maintain strong faith all the time as we can't foresee the future and negatives thoughts and news come to us all the time. Just keep the verse in NIV 1 John 4:4 to your heart "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Holy Spirit dwells in you and you have the most power God standing at your sides. 

Father in heaven, thanks for another brand new day to us. The living environment that we are in may not be favorable to us, but we know you are working for the best for us, we should wait humbly and patiently for your timing to come. Lord, deliver us from the negative thoughts and give us hope and joy to stay in faith in you. We prayed in the Holy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen!