Don’t Get Weary

Today’s Holy Nougat continues the theme of encouragement, but it is an even more direct word to Joshua, which we shall unpack over 3 days.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

[8] Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Don’t get Weary

At some points when growing up, weariness was more than physical fatigue. It included discouragement or disillusionment. It is in that context that I’m using the term, ‘Don’t Get Weary.’

Unfortunately, leadership comes with such moments. In fact, some would argue that life and relationships have a few of those moments when we’re either the bother or we’re being bothered. Knowing his people well, Moses knew that God’s message for Joshua was no joke.

Self-Check

Have you been a bother to someone before? How did you know, and was it intentional?

How do you respond when you are bothered?

Application

It is easy to decide to quit, to get discouraged in the face of opposition and uncertainty. Forty years was a very long time to travel with people who were almost always haranguing and complaining. When coupled with the unknown, it could be daunting.

Perhaps it wasn’t so much the people who would make Joshua weary. Them be could handle. But venturing into the unknown, to claim that which others already owned, or that which was inhabited by wild animals … hmmn. Sometimes, the move to an improved lifestyle is fraught with tension.

But God’s Word through Moses to Joshua still holds true for us today. We can not allow discouragement to get the better of us. As children of God, we know Whose we are, and Who’s our refuge.

One songwriter, reflecting on the end of this tale reminds us

See what the Lord has done for us

See what a mighty God He is (x2)

The walls are tumbling down (x3)

So let’s praise the Lord.

In the face of discouragement, we will not get weary, we

Pray for strength

Read the Word for guidance

Acknowledge God’s presence

Invite God’s direction and comfort

Sing songs of

Encouragement in anticipation of our breakthrough.

Assignment

Got it. When we’re weary, but the work’s (i.e., the battle) not done, it’s time to PRAISE our God.

Let’s get our praise on!

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May all we seek be found in Christ