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)
