The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

As we continue walking each day, there is significant relief that comes with knowing how God goes before us, versus following behind—proof that He leads the way, is aware of what lies ahead, and can see things from a clear perspective. And not only is He in front of us, but He has promised that He will never leave or forsake us, no matter how far we steer away, what wrongs we commit, or how far we’ve walked away from Him.

Often when we place our energy on our fears instead of on God, we tend to feel alone. We isolate ourselves and believe that no one is going to come and save us. But there is a difference between feeling alone and actually being alone, and in God’s world, He has promised each of us ongoing presence—that He ‘will be with you’ through every single moment of your life. Knowing this, we can leave our fears, discouragement, and worries aside, understanding that even through major life transitions, moments of uncertainty, times when our world is turned upside down, through every rock bottom or moment when the rug feels like it’s being pulled out from under us, it is His presence that fosters our courage, bravery, and faith to keep going.

This is God’s permanent commitment to His people. As Moses told Joshua and all of Israel before they entered the Promised Land, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ Why would we ever feel hopeless, knowing that our Almighty God is right in front of us, leading the way, and has promised never to leave us nor forsake us?