FEAR NOT, NEITHER BE DISCOURAGED

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MARCH 18

 

Deuteronomy 1:21

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee:

go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath

said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

 
Though the Lord tries us, he also encourages us.
 
More than fifty times he says to us in his word, “FEAR NOT.”
 
Yet we are often fearing.
 
He knew this would be the case, therefore he provided so much to cheer and encourage us.
 
Let us not be discouraged, the Lord hath set the good land before us, he hath promised it to us, he bids us go up and take possession of it.
 
Our enemies may be mighty, but our God who goes with us and fights for us, is Almighty.
 
Our foes may be crafty, but on our side is “the only wise God.”
 
If providence should frown, if the Lord does delay to answer our prayers, if our case should appear to be almost desperate, it is only to exercise our graces, try our sincerity, to stir us yp to importunate prayer.
 
Let us therefore press on in hope, let us preserve in faith.
 
The Lord will appear for us.
 
His faithful word shall be made good in our experience; and though now he may not answer us a word, he will soon give us the desire of our hearts.
 
Yield not then to discouragement, it dishonours God.
 

Arm’d with the presence of my Lord

I would be of good cheer,

Confiding in his faithful word,

Why should I faint or fear?

Though fierce the foe, though rough the road,

I can do all things through my God.

 
James Smith