God surprises me at the most unexpected times.

I guess if it was expected, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Duh.

We’d just stepped out of our youngest child’s dorm, having just moved her into her new home — away from us — and her new life — separate from us.

Can you hear “The Empty Nest Blues” begin to play?

We stepped out of the dorm to the most brilliant display of a just small glimpse of God’s glory bursting forth through the clouds.

My heart soared.

I felt encouraged and strengthened. 

God had spoken a whole sermon to me in an instant.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9

There’s no need to be terrified or even a little discouraged about stepping into a new phase of life — any new phase of life. 

Whether we chose this path or not, God is with us. 

Whether we’re surrounded by loved ones or walking alone, God is with us. 

As surely as the sun rises every day, the LORD God is with us.

He is our strength. 

I had a choice to make that day — the same choice we all have to make every day.

We can take in God’s Words but not be changed by it, OR we can soak in His truth like the warmth of the sun and believe every word of it.

We can smile at the future.

The Lord is with us to do everything in His heart to do. And all He does is good, even when we can’t see it.

Life is a battle, but the battle is the Lord’s. Let Him have it. He’s already won the war.

Let’s choose to stand strong in the Light. 

Let’s choose to walk in the Truth.

Has He not commanded us to be strong and courageous? Not in our power, but His. He never fails.

No more fretting and running away from what we know we need to do. 

Has He not commanded us not to be terrified or discouraged? He is with us. He’s handling all that concerns us.  

No more sighing and drooping our shoulders with the weight of the world — or the day. 

God lifted my shoulders that day with His glorious display.

He reminded me that just as the same sun shines on Larry, our children and I wherever we go, the same God walks with each of us no matter where are.

“for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Now take on the day!

 [bctt tweet=”Praise Picture: Be Strong & Courageous — God is with you. (Joshua 1:9) #Praise #God”]