Beyond the Weekend

September 27 | Presence

September 27, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

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

Read: Joshua 1:9
Listen: 
Joshua 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Throughout Moses’s leadership, it is clear God was with him. The Israelites see God’s presence in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, leading them through the wilderness. Moses meets with God on the mountaintop to receive the law and returns to camp with a face glowing from God’s glory. Moses strikes a rock, and God brings water from it. As Joshua steps in to lead, he may wonder if God will be with him too. So God tells Joshua that he is with him and will never leave him. God promises to be with Joshua in every situation and wherever he goes.

In our fears, we often wonder if we’re alone. We think we are the only ones dealing with this anxiety, and no one else can understand. God’s interaction with Joshua reminds us that we aren’t alone either. A few months ago, we memorized Philippians 4:5b-7 as part of our Bible Memory Practice. In this powerful passage, the Apostle Paul reminds Jesus’s followers that God is near. As a result, we can experience God’s peace in every situation as we turn to him in prayer and with thanksgiving. No problem, mistake or unforeseen event will cause God to abandon us.

During seasons of the unknown, we can rest knowing God is with us. When we suffer consequences from sinful choices, whether our own or someone else’s, we need not fear that God has left us. We can turn to him and experience his love and forgiveness. When we experience clinical anxiety that feels crippling and brings panic attacks, God is still with us in those moments. He has not turned his back on us.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

In your journal or mobile device, list the things that are causing you anxiety or fear. Next to each one, write “The Lord is near.” Ask God to help you remember he is with you as you face these situations this week.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

JAMES 1:19–20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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