Sunday, December 06, 2009

Devotion: Courage

2Chronicles 6:1 ¶ Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

When the Lord came down and filled the house Solomon built, the house was filled with a cloud and 2 Chronicles 5:14 says, "the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God."

The next verse, (6:1) says that the Lord would dwell in the thick darkness. This tells me this cloud that filled the house was no fluffy, whispy white cloud. It was thick and dark, perhaps like a storm cloud.

I find this particularly comforting. When darkness closes in on my life and I can't seem to get my footing or find my way, God dwells there. He is there with me and He will see me through the storm as I trust Him.

I am reminded of Joshua's charge to the men of Israel: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)

We are commanded to be strong and of good courage, to not be afraid or dismayed. Why? Because the Lord our God is with us!

I found a little bracelet at the pharamcy this week that has a simple little charm on it with one word. Courage. I wear it to remind me that God is with me and I have reason to face my storms with courage. God is there in the darkness with me. He is there for you too if you are one of His own.

1 comment:

Jeannette said...

I love the word courage. It is similar to encourage, which is what you do on your blog! I think the more we share with others, the more God fills us up too. There's no running out with God. Thanks for your blog posts and sharing the life you get from God's word!