A young
boy named Riley started a fight with Avery on the school playground after a
soccer match. The teacher broke it up, and both boys were sent to the
principal’s office. Later, Avery said, “And of course, like always, we both got
in trouble.” But he shared that he learned a lesson: “God is always with us,
even if we get in as much trouble as this.”
The
nation of Israel was in big trouble. Yet the Lord promised the nation’s new
leader: “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5). Joshua was taking
over leadership of the Israelites after Moses’ death, just before they were to
enter the Promised Land. Trouble was on the horizon with numerous military
campaigns against their enemies coming up (8:3; 9:1-2). Without God’s presence,
they couldn’t begin to acquire the land.
Joshua
had a strong faith in the Lord, as seen when he spied out the land of Canaan
(Num. 14:6-9). But God graciously gave him the reminder as he took over the
leadership role that he could be courageous because of His presence. He
promises the same to His children today (Heb. 13:5-6).
It’s a
comforting lesson for God’s children of all ages to know: God is always with
us. Even when we’re in “as much trouble as this.”
When
troubles call on you, call on God. (RBC)
