Have you ever felt discouraged by the events happening around you? Has there ever been a time you became so afraid for the future? Has fear and discouragement ever made you lose faith in God? I am sure that these are not new to most of us. Even the people who have encountered amazing things in the presence of God sometimes lose faith when something happens. Elijah was a prophet of God whose words shut the heavens for three years. There was no rain and by his words, the heavens were unlocked (1 Kings 17-18). This same Elijah fled because he was afraid from a threatening message he received from Jezebel (the wife of the king): “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:3-4). 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) Elijah’s story is typical of humanity. We could experience so many amazing testimonies but the one trial could put us in so much fear. Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites. Moses had been an extraordinary leader and by his hands, God had performed mighty acts before the people of which Joshua had witnessed. When Moses died, Joshua had to lead the people to the promised land. God reminded Joshua with these words: “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). Whenever we reach rock-bottom, we should be reminded that fear and discouragement could keep us down. If we want to bounce back, we have to be strong and courageous. We should put away all fear and discouragement and trust in God. When we understand what God’s presence is with us everywhere we go, we will put our trust in Him. We will be intentional about investing in our relationship with Him and reaping strength and courage. Maybe we should learn from little children and babies. In the eyes of these, their parents or guardians are superstars. If you lift a child up and swing that child back and forth up in the air, they will laugh hysterically. They trust that they are safe in your hands. Even if onlookers are uncomfortable, that child might even resist being put down. That is trust. But, when we walk with the Lord, we keep questioning whether it is a good decision to leave our future in His hands. We consider if God can take care of us like the way we want. Ultimately, fear drives others to pain and depression believing that no one cares about them. Our strength and courage comes from the knowledge that God is interested in us and will not abandon those who put their trust in Him.
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