God’s Comforting Commitment

Hello, my name is Xochitl Dixon. I'll be sharing a family memory in today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread, God's Comforting Commitment. Years ago, our family visited Four Corners, the only place in the United States where four states meet at one location. My husband stood in the section marked Arizona. Our oldest son AJ hopped into Utah. Our youngest son Xavier held my hand as we stepped into Colorado. When I scooted into New Mexico, Xavier said, Mom, I can't believe you left me in Colorado.

We were together and apart as our laughter was heard in four different states. Now that our grown sons have left home, I have a deeper appreciation of God's promise to be near all his people wherever they go. After Moses died, God called Joshua into leadership and guaranteed his presence as he expanded the Israelites territory. In Joshua chapter one, God said, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Knowing that Joshua would struggle with doubt and fear as a new leader of his people, God built a foundation of hope on these words in verse nine.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. No matter where God leads us or our loved ones, even through difficult times, his most comforting commitment assures us that he's always present. Today's scripture reading is Joshua chapter one, verses one to nine.

After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses' aid, Moses, my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I'm about to give them to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country to the Mediterranean Sea in the West. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this book of the law always on your lips. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Let's pray. Ever-present God, thank you for comforting us with the promise of your constant presence. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. These encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.