“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.”

There has been a lot going on the past several weeks - listening and talking with different people about the good and hard times going on in their daily lives.  At times, it became overwhelming.  One morning, I found myself listening to one particular song on repeat that simply said, “Say the name of Jesus…” It was a morning where I wanted to pray for different ones but quite honestly, I didn’t have the words to pray except to say the name “Jesus” over and over-as if I were on repeat.  After a while, I finally felt a release that these needs were in the hands of God and everything would be alright.   

I don’t know how to describe what happened that morning other than saying a “shift” came in my spirit and I knew God had these people in the palm of His hands – holding them and doing so much more than I ever could.  But there was also something that transpired in me.   I began to thank God for different things that sometimes are taken for granted like taking a big swallow of coffee and literally saying out loud, “oh thank You God for such good coffee.”  I chuckled but truly meant every word. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that there were also mornings that were not quite so spiritual.  Like realizing the exterminators were coming when you are supposed to be walking out the door to go to work and the house wasn’t ready for him to walk through.  Or, having your hands full and trying to unlock the door and then poor red Hawaiian Punch – hoping not to splatter it on a brand new shirt!  I think you get the picture. 

However, it was on this particular morning that the above scripture brought new meaning.  I was finally on my way to work, talking to Jesus when these words came spilling out of my mouth:  ‘Thank You Lord that whatever the day brings – YOU are already there.”

I can assure you without any doubt that those words were not my thoughts at the time.  It was a God moment that spoke profoundly to my heart.  Yes, I know that God is always with us – He never leaves and we can trust Him.  However, this time, my heart got it. 

Joshua was going to succeed Moses.  Moses was a hundred and twenty years old and it was time to pass the baton to Joshua.  I believe that Joshua needed reassurance from God that He would be with him as He had with Moses.  God told Moses that he would not cross the Jordan but the Lord would cross over before them to fight battles for them before they ever got there.

I believe God wants us to know that He does the same for us.  God goes before us and is already there preparing the way before the day’s events even begin to unfold.  Even today, God reminded me that He is already there not only in the crisis of our lives but in the good times as well. 

Take heart!  No matter what may be happening, God is already there working on our behalf – fighting battles, cheering us on to victory, and loving His children as only He can.