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September 23, 1998, Wednesday
Have you ever been anxious or fearful that you would be alone
in the world? Can a person function normally and in a rational
manner when fear or anxiety is weighing heavily on him? What
is the best remedy for fear and anxiety?
Moses encouraged Joshua in front of all the people to assure
him that even though he may seem alone in his circumstances,
God will continue to be with him, only do not let fear grip
your heart: "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" (Deut 31:8).
The Lord also spoke the same words to Joshua again to remind
him of the exhortation from Moses. A person can not function
rationally in a timid mode: "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. Do not let this Book of the
Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified; do not
be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go" (Josh 1:7-9).
Jesus simply explained the remedy for anxiety and fear of
loss of life in the example of the woman caught in the sin
of adultery: "Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman,
where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir,"
she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.
"Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:10-11). The
Lord will not leave you, but He does expect you to leave
all sin behind you.
Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's
name is Jehová Shammah. The Psalmist describes the joy and
hope of that fellowship: "Because Your love is better than
life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long
as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul
will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips
my mouth will praise You" (Psa 63:3-5). Lift your hands to
Him and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God
that is always with us!
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