Assorted Verses
During my ministry work it’s become something of a tradition every year when the holidays roll around to try and share a word of encouragement from scripture, just some things that God has spoken into us so that we can avoid some of the pitfalls that the holiday season can bring.
As much joy as Thanksgiving, Christmas and even New Year’s can bring to our lives, for those of us who have faced struggles with addictions, broken relationships and all manner of ongoing sin, this time of year can also bring with it feelings of regret, guilt, shame, discouragement, anger…you name it. And if we’re not careful and we let those feelings become all-consuming we can find ourselves backsliding into behaviors and practices that we’ve been trying to put behind us.
One very consistent message that winds its way through both Old and New Testaments is the idea that with God in our lives, with Jesus as our Savior, we have every reason to be strong and courageous when it comes to facing the attacks of the enemy. This week, I pulled together at least six of these verses and what I pray we’ll take from them is the comfort that comes from knowing that as we are faithful, God is faithful. As Moses tells us in Deuteronomy, the key to a happy life is living committed to obeying Him.
If we’re obeying Jesus, Satan has no room to operate!
The first verse comes from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy. In chapters 30 and 31 Moses is giving one last speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He lets them know that his life is nearly over, and that Joshua will be in charge going forward. He also tells them that knowing God and trusting in Him is the difference between life and death. In chapter 31, verse 6 Moses tells the people this.
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them (their enemies). For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Something to keep in mind as we look ahead to a looming new year. Old enemies, old temptations will rear their ugly heads and try and draw you away from your faith. Jesus has already gone ahead of you and given you victory over those challenges. All you need to do is claim it!
The book of the prophet Isaiah offers a very similar promise, this time the LORD is speaking directly to us through His prophet. Chapter 41, verse 10 He says, “Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. If we’re in tune with the promises of our Savior, to give us a future and a hope – Jeremiah 29:11 – we can’t possibly be discouraged. Again, victory is ours if we want it.
How about a pearl or two from the New Testament? If we trust in the covenant we have with Jesus, if by our faith we are strong and courageous, then Paul tells us a little something about what the expectation is that comes from that empowerment. He writes this to his protégé Timothy is 2 Timothy 1:7.
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hand on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
Now that we’re no longer afraid of the attacks of the world and the weakness of our flesh, we share every chance we get the Good News of the gospel. And whereas at one time our lives may have been defined by our sin, with Jesus we have new character traits. We have the power of grace; we love others as Jesus loves us and we control ourselves out of an abundance of gratitude for His grace and mercy.
How about this…James’ epistle, chapter 1, verse 12.
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
In other words, the more we’re willing to wait on God’s perfect timing over our own, the better. It leads to the ultimate gift, the crown of life, eternity with Him in Heaven.
Psalm 27:14 sums it all up nicely. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”
I’ll close with this. Give yourself an early Christmas present and read Ephesians 6:10-18 where Paul talks about the full armor of God. Put on every single piece every single day. Be strong and courageous. Be patient and enduring. Trust in God and commit yourself to obedience.
You may just find yourself having the best holiday season ever!