“He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction” - (Psalm 23: 1-6, ESV).
Waking up to bad news has become a constant feature of our lives in the pandemic era. On one day one hears of rising deaths in the distant parts arising out of the virus. Then there are workers laid off. There are pests sweeping by. Another new strange disease is heard to be on the horizon.
There is a saying that bad news sells. Hence the reason why there is never short of such news. But bad news while filling that curiosity can also cause depression. A constant dose of bad news does not bring cheer to the soul. It can be discouraging at the most.
One way to overcome bad news is by countering it with the word of God. In the midst of bad news we have some refreshing and soothing words of hope to cling to. “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path” - (Psalm 119:5, NIV).
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that where I encounter bad news I draw comfort in your ever soothing words.
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
