DO NOT BE DISMAYED
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV
Theme: Because Jesus rose and came back to life, we can trust God is with us and able, no matter how desperate the situation.
“BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED”
When I hear the word “blessed” overused in casual conversation, I bristle a little. It’s often woven in a story about prosperity or good fortune…when “all is right with the world” and in our favor. Rarely do I hear the word “blessed” used to describe a time of trial, distress, confusion, or misery. I imagine there aren’t many people who feel “blessed” in those situations. Their prayers are more likely asking God for a quicker resolution or a ceasing of the pain, certainly not a call to endure more suffering as evidence of how blessed they are. As I consider today’s Scripture, it reminds me of God’s presence in both times of scarcity and in times of abundance.
EVEN IN THE PAIN
The days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday were necessary, though impossible to even imagine watching. Jesus knew what was ahead for Him. His best friends saw Him being mocked, beaten and hung. His mother witnessed her son sweat, bleed, and die an agonizing death on the cross. And God the Father had seemingly turned His back on Him as Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34b, ESV). In that moment and carrying by our sin, Jesus could not remain in God’s presence, so He endured the separation that you and I deserved. It was a dark and desperate day. The veil was torn, the earth shook, and the rocks split (Matthew 27:51) when Jesus took His dying breath. This hardly seems like a time of abundant blessing. But, to fulfill His mission, the pain was necessary.
GOD’S PLAN
Facing times of testing with joy isn’t easy, but will produce steadfastness, perseverance, and endurance. Jesus’ death was the final and complete sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Without it, neither resurrection nor salvation for all of humanity would be possible. It wasn’t just about Jesus. It was about God’s plan. In the midst our own suffering, our focus is often on “us,” making it hard to remember God’s plan is always perfect and working for good (Romans 8:28).
Make It Personal: Today, you might feel alone or desperate. Turn your focus on God and trust that He is with you and will work to make all things new. While your weeping may remain for a night, rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). God fulfilled His promise on the cross and continues to promise to “to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11b, NIV). Use your quiet time today to surrender to God’s plan and ask for endurance during your time of trial.
Pray: God, though I may not always understand, I trust You. Please help me to do so in ALL circumstances, even when fear, loss, or grief seem to consume me. Give me confidence and comfort in Your promises. I believe Jesus suffered and paid the ultimate price for me. Please give me the strength to honor that sacrifice by trusting You. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:3-5; Joshua 1:9
Weekly Memory Verse: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5-6, ESV