Nikki Haley suspended her campaign, this week, sharing the same words that launched her bid for the United States Presidency, last year: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
The LORD spoke these encouraging words to Joshua as he took over leadership of God’s people following the death of Moses. The people of God had finished their forty years of wilderness wandering and were preparing to step into the Promised Land. Joshua wasn’t sure what lay ahead or how he would lead, so God fortified him with these words that continue to lead us into uncertain futures with confidence and hope.
I imagine that these words have been a tether of grace for Nikki Haley for many years. Declaring them in this season of her life offers hope and promise, once again, on the cusp of whatever journey is next for her. She steps forward with strength and courage, confident that God goes with her. So should we.
What a gift small passages and nuggets of Scripture can be. We absorb them from a variety of sources including worship, Bible reading, devotional material, media, and songs. They nestle into our hearts and minds, planting silent seeds deep within us, which then begin to germinate. Like the spring crocus and daffodils in southwest Ohio, we never know when these words of truth will poke their tips up through the earth and into our lives.
If you didn’t notice, our church campus was blitzed by words of encouragement and strength, this past Sunday. During the 9:30 learning hour, our senior high youth, armed with buckets of sidewalk chalk and Bible verses, covered the front sidewalks, the parking lot, and even the brick pillars in our entryway with words of promise, hope, encouragement, and love, including some listed below:
“Let all you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“God’s got you,” “Grace and acceptance,” “See good in all things,” and “Be brave!”
You couldn’t leave Lord of Life without wondering, “What is going on with all the chalk stuff everywhere?” Even after several days of rain, this week, I continue to be greeted by Bible verses, words of encouragement, and colored bricks. What a boost!
I recently had the opportunity to sing some of my favorite lyrics from Harry E. Fosdick’s epic hymn, “God of Grace and God of Glory:” “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.” Again, what a boost!
Take a moment and jot down some Bible verses or lyrics that fuel your journey of hope. Stick them on a mirror you use often. Post them on your door where you’ll read them as you come and go. You know where you need to be reminded of who God is and who you are. Laptop? Phone? Vehicle? Desk? Refrigerator?
Wherever you are heading in the coming days, God will be with you. If you are staying put and finding joy in the well-established patterns and rhythms, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.
If God is calling you to remain where you are, but stir things up and be a change agent, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. If you are headed into new and uncertain territory, be strong and courageous as you forge a new path. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. The power of the living God and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit go with you wherever you go.
Forward in Hope,
Pastor Lowell