As we get closer to Independence Day I was reminded of the first year we had our miniature Australian Shepherd at the fireworks display.
We enjoyed the fireworks of the little town in Iowa where we were living for the summer. It was a nice show – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was. Although the noise was slightly bothersome, it was the bright flashes of light that bothered her the most so we finished watching from inside, through the window. As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her she was ok. She didn’t realize that there was nothing to harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.
It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises and flashing lights when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power. Things that filled my heart with fear when I was in my thirties no longer hold me in their grasp.
There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows! Yes, I can say God is faithful!
Always!
Me, on the other hand, I can use some work. So many times I thought I knew best and have the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises and flashes of light that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. I would come back and cuddle in close and I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. And yes, it was soon over and it was ok.
Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites and Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he wouldn’t be going with them; he had led them for forty years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 30:6-8 KJV
Be of “Good” courage. That’s a lot like “Good” success. Good courage is God-based and it will drive out fear. John wrote in I John 4 that perfect love casts out fear. When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us, we will also be strong with “good” courage even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.
Look at what Moses says in verse 8: He WILL be with thee, He WILL NOT fail or forsake thee, fear NOT!
I don’t know what loud noises and flashing lights you are facing today but when you are letting the Lord lead you can have “good courage” and you’ll hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect.