Fighting The Giants 10/16

Good day to you,
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deut. 31:8

This was God’s promise to his people as they began their journey into his promised land before them.  
He exhorts them to focus on the reality that he will personally be with them, go ahead of them and will not fail or abandon them.  What we notice in this encouragement is that the Lord is aware that his people will encounter things that bring up fears and create discouragement and challenge the soul and emotions of his people. You and I are no different than the Israelites, and so we are offered this specific promise over eighty fivetimes in the scriptures, that the Living God will be personally with us and around us.  Why is this so critical? Because you and I will face our own giants of insecurities, fears, shots of discouragement and defeat.  He wouldn’t have made this declaration so often to his people if it wasn’t going to happen to them. We will have moments and even seasons of emotional upheaval in our journey with him, and it is imperative that we lean into his character and nature and find him faithful in these times of stress and strain.  To deny that we ever have these feelings and emotions is not wise or healthy.  Admitting and bringing them to the Father’s heart gives opportunity to experience a deeper more meaningful relationship in his grace. Authentic health happens when we take our cares and concerns to him and find a Father who gives strength, comfort, love and peace in our time
Q: What has caused your heart to be discouraged recently?
Q: Can you recall a time when God brought his peace or strength into your life when you were fighting fear or discouragement?