Faith Assures Us of God’s Presence
Tuesday’s Verse:
From Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
These words were spoken to Israel at a time when they were poised to enter the land of promise after years of travel and were now looking up against enemies. The people of God were to take a step into a new era, and He was reassuring them of His presence and strength.
This verse is still a source of strength to us as Christians. In life, we often face situations in which the odds seem stacked against us: in sickness, in bereavement, in times of temptation and trial, or when we are discouraged and losing heart. But the promise is the same: the Lord your God goes with you. He is not a far-off God, but one who is close. In Christ Jesus, we know the truth of this promise. Jesus is Emmanuel – “God with us” – and He has said, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
As Luther frequently said, we stand not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. We do not have courage because we are confident in ourselves, but because we are confident in Christ, who has overcome sin, death, and the devil. Faith counters fear with this assurance: God will never leave nor forsake us.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, strengthen me with Your presence. When I am afraid, remind me that You are near. Give me the courage to live out my faith with boldness, knowing You will never leave me nor forsake me. Through Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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