Moses my servant is dead.
I wonder what thoughts and sinking feelings were running through Joshua when he heard the Lord speak those words. Moses had been leading the people of Israel, and leading Joshua for nearly forty years. Moses was the one who stood up to Pharoah. Moses was the one who led the people out of Egypt. Moses was the one who led them year after year in the wilderness. Joshua had watched God be faithful to Moses, but now Moses was gone. Would God be as faithful to Joshua as He had been to Moses?
And then the sweet relief and comfort of the Lord’s voice. “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you” (Joshua 1:5).
The same promise God had made to Moses (Exodus 3:12), He was making with Joshua. If Joshua would answer God’s call, and follow His leading, he could count on God to never let go of him.
I’ve never led an entire nation of people across rushing waters, but I do know what it is to feel insufficient for a task ahead. I know what it is for God to call me to move forward, even full of fear, and wonder if He really will stay by my side. We all know that same feeling when we step into the unknown with shaky legs—hearing the lies that ring too loud. What if I fail? What if God leaves me to fend for myself? Will He continue to be faithful, even if I get it wrong? The fear takes hold and before we know it, we can quickly find ourselves doubting God’s character.
Joshua may or may not have felt up to the task ahead of him. We aren’t privy to his thoughts or fears. But we do see God’s reassurance to Joshua—reminding him of His promise to stay by Joshua’s side. There is no safer place to be than in the shadow of the almighty God (Psalm 91:1). And if Joshua were going to lead the Israelites into the promised land, it would only be by the Lord going with him.
Joshua never could have fathomed the reality that we know on this side of the cross, and on this side of Pentecost. The parting gift of the soon-to-be-crucified Christ was the hope that, even after His departure, God would send the Holy Spirit as counselor and comforter (John 14:26). The same Spirit of God that never left Moses or Joshua has taken up residence in each of us who are children of God. With the very presence of God working in and through us, we can never be separated from our Father.
So, take heart, child of God, for He will not leave you or abandon you.
Not in your failure or faithlessness.
Not in your doubts or disappointments.
Not in your wounds or wanderings.
We do not have to fear our Father leaving us, because all Scripture reminds us that He never has, and the hope of eternity is that He never will.
Leave a Reply
90 thoughts on "For He Will Not Leave You"
So thankful that no matter what happens, God is with me & I am NOT Alone!
So thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness!
Thankful for the Holy Spirit, my helper, that lives in me!
God’s got this in success or failure.
It is through his presence, and knowing he is with us that I can be strong and courageous.
Applying for my masters currently and have an interview in 15 minutes!!! This is the best reminder that in this big bundle of unknown God is with me and he is for me! I feel such peace entering into the interview!!
You said this perfectly. I had a similar thought, not doubting Gods faithfulness but my lack of understanding. Thank you for sharing your insight because I wasn’t sure what to think after.
Such comfort as I begin a season of uncovering many unknowns.
I love the question Lindsey presented, would He still be faithful if I get it wrong? I have never doubted God’s faithfulness……but I have doubted my understanding so many times. When she asked the question in her remarks, I realized that God knows my heart. He knows my desires. Even if I misjudge what I think He wants from me and make a wrong step, HE IS STILL FAITHFUL! He is patient and loving even when I get it wrong! Thank you Jesus!
Amen!
Such a comfort to know God is with me because He committed. My standing relies wholly on Him and is not dependent upon me! ❤️
Amen.
My life verse is Psalm 91:4. It has helped me through so much in my life. Just picturing me being under His wings, covered by His feathers, gives me hope, peace, and comfort. Knowing I can do anything, because He protects me! So reassuring!
loved this
I want my heart the believe and fully absorb the word of the Lord. He will never leave you neither will he forsake you. So hard to comprehend and internalize especially when the future feels so unclear. Thank you lord for your word that is light and life
He will never leave
Wow so many powerful verses of scripture in this lesson today!
Thank you for this…the loneliness and second guessing that comes after a life transition can be overwhelming, but this is a reminder that I am seen, loved, protected, and known. Be strong and courageous, friends! It’s in you through the Holy Spirit.
I have learned that a dear friend will pass away today. She is 22 and has special needs. She has been on palliative care since she was 11. I am so heartbroken for her family. Please pray for the Boyles as Courteney makes her transition.
❤️
This definitely healed my soul a bit this morning, it’s exactly what I needed to hear.
AMEN
He will never leave us, or forsake us. I love that and the holy spirit is true to God’ word.
❤️
The best thing I ever did was accept the lord as my savior. I already had 30 years without Him and the transition was and is profound. But it’s a daily reminder to follow Him. I am constantly pull by the satan of this world into fear which is false. Yes I’m afraid of the unknown and by deep hurt but then I’m comforted by the Holy Spirit calming my anxiety. I choose to feel everything so that I can feel the Lord.
Hi Megan. As one who the Lord has recently plucked out of a terrible job situation, it is scary, but staying in a terrible situation doesn’t help anybody. It may seem like it’s safer, but far better to use the skills and talents God is giving you in the right place. Take a step trusting him to lead and then another step in another.
An old song I used to sing growing up has a lot of Psalm 91. It’s called “Eagles Wings.” I remember singing it for my grandmother’s funeral. ❤️
Praying for you @jennifer
Praying for you Jennifer!!
Carolyn, I love your words!!! Courage is all about stepping into the unknown, not because we are without fear, but in spite of it! I’m currently walking through a season of life where I feel stuck in my job and it causes me to feel so hopeless for change to ever happen. I think I’ve been afraid to start looking to change jobs because I’m so scared of the unknown. Will I get a new job? Will one even be open in the area I want to transfer? What do I do if I have to stay here longer than I want? This study and your words are such great reminders that the Lord is calling me to take action, even when I’m afraid, because He is there with me and He will be with me every step of the way—no matter the outcome!
I’m also going to drop a prayer request here. The past few days I have been struggling more than normal with anxiety and remembering some things that happened a few years ago. I’m struggling, but I’m thankful that the Lord put this study in my heart during this time. I pray that the Lord helps to remember His truth, to hold fast to Him, and to not fear. Amen!
How great is the Lord that left us these words. In Joshua he tells us to be strong and courageous. But he also tells us in Psalm 91 that he will answer to us and be with us in trouble. This is a very full promise from God. Amen!
Praying for you and your mom, Sky! ❤️
Thank you Father God, for never leaving me and always being right beside me every step of the way. I pray that you comfort me in my fears and bring your perfect peace over me. In Jesus name I pray Amen!
Courage means doing something even though you are afraid. God doesn’t expect us to be fearless but to FEAR LESS. We can have courage because the source of that courage isn’t our own resolve, but God’s presence within us as His Holy Spirit. I pray to recognize and acknowledge that strength He gives me with each trial so that I can remember and trust Him as each new battle arises.
25 years ago I was experiencing terrible anxiety. I would pray Psalm 91:4 every night. Repeating it until I would fall asleep. He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
Be strong and very courageous, ONLY THEN you can observe what I tell you. In other words, If you are weak and timid, fearful, frightened, you shall fail to observe. I remember a verse in Revelation 21:8, the group that won’t make it to Heaven, the first to lead the list are the Fearful ones (KJV). A pastor used to point this out, very scary, not the sinful ones, just fearful and unbelieving is enough to not make it. The laws of GOD are not for the faint of heart. Who can be strong and courageous unless they are trained? And who can be trained unless they go through storms and through battles? Soldiers are not born through places of comfort but battles. Praise be to our GOD. I pray for strength and grace for all of us, that we shall be strong and courageous through GOD. May we keep our eyes on HIM, the one true living God who will never leave us or forsake us. May we know the cost to be trained up for a courageous and bold heart, that we too might roar like the lion of Judah, as the righteous are to be bold like lions, cunning like snakes and also innocent like doves.
Praying for Canada and the godly leadership and changes. Thank you to the ladies who brought up the prayer request for the nation!
Sky Hilton: praying for your mom and you- Psalm 103:3, Isaiah 53:5. Hugs.
Happy Family Day to you all. Be blessed and strengthened sisters!
Really needed this today
I pray that Nikki can get the help she needs! I pray that she can be vaccinated soon so she can start the treatment she needs! In the end, I hope that she, her friends, and her family can cling to God during this time in her life!
Dear sisters, I have been going through a little bit of a rough time. My mom keeps wheezing, and nothing she does is helping. I have asthma too, but none of my medications help her like they help me. She has a doctors appointment on March. 3. She’s been wheezing for a couple days almost non stop. We almost fear is something more than asthma. I don’t know what to do.. but reading Psalm 91 has reassured me that God is with me and my mom. God is our refuge, a constant. help in times of trouble, so I am glad I have a father to go to in times like this!
❤️
I have struggled with feeling abandoned during my childhood years. When I was young both of my grandmothers died, and then there was a disagreement in our extended family which caused me to loose touch with some family members for many years. Also, I always knew my parents loved me, but they weren’t always able to be there for me emotionally. They had both grown up in dysfunctional families. This caused me to feel left and alone. I remember becoming a Christian and hearing God’s promise that he would never leave me. This was one of my favorite of his promises. ❤️ we are so lucky to serve a God who is always with us.
I’m listening to the podcast now. And they said a phrase that I’m very familiar with and I actually read it in today’s comments here.
About 25 years ago I was in a Bible study and I remember the Bible study leader saying this: “Do it afraid”. There have been many times throughout my life and especially these last 4 1/2 years that I’ve had to do things “afraid” while putting my whole trust in God. And it’s only because of God of where I am today. And I still have those “do it afraid“ moments, but that’s OK, because I will be OK because I’m a child of the most High King!
I’m listening to the podcast now. And they said a phrase that I’m very familiar with and I actually read it in today’s comments here.
When I was a little girl my mother would threaten “to run away”, to leave…of course, we would cling to her skirts & promise to be good , with tears steaming down our faces…So, Joshua 1:5 “I will not leave you or abandon you.” What comfort! And Jesus, He loves me despite my sin Romans (5:8) came to save me, and then sends His Counselor, Comforter, the Holy Spirit so that I can truly never, ever be alone. But God…praise His holy Name.
ERB I absolutely agree with your comments on “self”. Great insights. So glad to “see” you. Sending hugs. Rhonda J you have the right of it too. We so often get the wrong view.
Thank you all for your comments everyday. I may not comment often but your comments are wonderful & insightful & uplifting.
Hugs & love to all y’all.
Joshua is one of my favorite books. God pointed me to Joshua when I first learned how much I struggle with fear. It has been a lifeboat for me since and I now try to remember Joshua 1:9 when I am in the height of my fear or anxiety.
This is a timely devotional for me today, as I am struggling with fear and stepping out in faith. I so related to these words of the devotional:
I do know what it is to feel insufficient for a task ahead. I know what it is for God to call me to move forward, even full of fear, and wonder if He really will stay by my side. We all know that same feeling when we step into the unknown with shaky legs—hearing the lies that ring too loud. What if I fail? What if God leaves me to fend for myself? Will He continue to be faithful, even if I get it wrong? The fear takes hold and before we know it, we can quickly find ourselves doubting God’s character.
Praying that I remember that God is never going to leave me and will always walk beside me.
Praying for Canada, the leadership and oppression will cease.
Andrienne- Praying for Nicki, for God to move mountains so she can get the treatment that she needs.
Taylor and Sarah D- Praying for you both that you get rest from your anxiety and that the peace of God floods your heart.
@Adrienne, praying for Nickki, that the Lord would stretch out His mighty arms to heal and comfort her, and that she would trust that He will do it in His time and in His way. May the whole family know His peace
Lord, You are my refuge, my shelter, my everything, I LOVE YOU AND TRUST YOU with my WHOLE BEING. Amen.
Sisters, be blessed and TRUST in the LORD ALWAYS.
Claire B, Kelly (Neo) and others thank you for your continued prayers ! ERB and Kelly (Neo) thank you for these wonderful insights. GramsieSue praying for Steve as he starts chemo/RT tomorrow.
Amen!
I pray that their family takes a leap of faith and gets vaccinated so that she can continue treatment and in God’s hands she will be healed. ❤️
Really needed this today!
I not once felt abandoned or forsaken. SCARED? Yes! Very! I do have those “what if“ moments and “why can’t I just get” type of thoughts. At my ripe old middle-age I should have it more together. Those are the thoughts that I have. And even then I know that my God is with me.
Psalm 91:14-26. Replace “he” with your name! It is so powerful. “Because Jeanette has her heart set on me, I will deliver her: I will protect Jeanette because she knows my name….” Lord, may I set my heart on you today and always ❤️
“The same spirit of God that never left Moses or Joshua has taken up residence in each of us who are children of God.” THE SAME SPIRIT OF GOD. think about that!
Prayer request… a friend of a friend, named Nicki, has a form of leukemia, for which she will take oral chemo for two weeks. Then, “step two”, if chemo is proving successful, would be a bone marrow transplant. The powers that be would not do a transplant, as she is not vaccinated, nor are her brothers that might be a match. Please pray for miraculous healing. Thanks, She’s!
“The counselor, the Holy Spirit , whom the Father will send in my name , will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you “
amen!
The courage each new generation can take in the Lord is mighty! We can take heart that thr Lord has plans to redeem every generation.. we are not lost when we have Him. Lets rise together.
I am so happy to see your comment today, ERB!
The backspace key and the enter key n my iPad are waaaaaay too close. Just sayin’! My apologies for two posts last night, sisters. No school today and about to do today’s reading, but wanted to apologize first!
Joshua had walked with Moses and seen all that God had done through him. Even so, Joshua surely had some anxiety about the daunting task ahead. He had also witnessed what an obstinate, grumbling people his fellow Israelites could be. Leading them in this next stage would not be a walk in the park. God assured Joshua that they would conquer their foes and take possession of the land. God also told Joshua to be strong and courageous. God knew Joshua would have a flood of emotions going into battle. I find this so very comforting. I know God is with me and I know His Word is absolutely trustworthy. I sometimes ride that roller coaster of emotions when I face an unfamiliar and unpredictable circumstance. I appreciate God acknowledging how human I am, even though He is right there with me. I can draw on His strength and I can be courageous because His Word is true. God also told Joshua the people would have to obey His instructions to be successful. Should they not, there would be consequences but He would still be with them. I do not need to be afraid or discouraged if I mess up. He will still be with me. He won’t abandon me. He will get me back on track. Help me, Lord, to obey You and thus avoid inevitable heartache. Your way, not my way, is the way to go.
&
Good Morning sisters! Thank you for praying for my brother Duane. He is recovering and is now home from the hospital, praise the Lord! He still has a little way to go as far as getting his strength back but is hoping to be back to work this week as he was not eligible for sick pay.
Praying for all your requests as I read them – especially praying today for Canada, God’s will be done!
P.S. Joshua is one of my favorite books…almost every time I send a graduation card, I write in it Joshua 1:8.
P.S.S. Loved “meeting” Rhonda J and Traci Gendron on FB – it is so nice to have a face put to those you have been praying for and studying with! Hope to “meet” more of you!
A blessed to you all!
The Lord is the most constant and reliable friend I have. He not only shows up but stays. He hasn’t left me yet, and He never will.
What a wonderful truth, he is always with us.
Don’t ask “Lord What am I going to do”? The right response is “Lord what are YOU going to do!” Jesus will surprise us in the way He turns the impossible situations into the possible!
Don’t underestimate WHAT He will use.
Don’t underestimate Who He will use.
Our song must be “Let Go, Let Go,” which is a song but I can’t remember the artist’s name, but super catchy!
Because (she) holds fast to me in love, I will deliver (her)… rescue (her)… honor (her)…” (Psalm 91:14). Holding fast to God in love has meant obedience. Reading His Word, meditating on it, learning His ways. Being strong and courageous. Being faithful to stand for God and His righteousness. Not turning to the right or to the left. The journey with God on the unseen, narrow path is met with many billboards calling my heart away on the seen roadways and paths. Making the Lord my dwelling place has taken work. Just like building any home, it takes time to nest. But, wow, I love this Home. My sanctuary space. No matter where I go, He is with me. Walking with me in the fire, the water, the chaos. Thank You Lord Jesus, for sending the Holy Spirit to me. I am learning, I am remembering. And my troubled heart is not afraid because I have received Your peace.
I faced this decision once too. I decided relying on the Lord was better than being self-sufficient.
It was not easy to do without the comforts I was used too, but I 100 percent wouldn’t do it any other way. We were more blessed in that time than we’ll ever know this side of heaven.
He is Good. He is Faithful. And He’s worthy of our trust.
Beautiful, and my favorite chapter in the Bible, Psalm 91.
Psalm 91 has comforted me (and put me back to sleep) many, many nights this past year or two. I worked on memorizing it toward the beginning of the pandemic. Now, when I wake in the night and have a bazillion thoughts running through my mind, I just started saying this in my head. His Word is the Comforter, indeed!
As I was reading, a recent “failure” was brought to my mind and I was trying my best to remind myself of truth as I felt the enemy’s words of attack. It’s amazing that this devotional spoke on that very topic.
God does not leave me because of my failures. He works all things for God. He writes a better story. He can be glorified in the broken things. God, I continue to pray redemption over my story and these other women. May we believe all things are possible by You alone.
God is so faithful! I can’t tell you how many times I have cried out to Him in my time of need and He was right there every time. He is everything to me! Thank you Lord, Father, God for your unending love and faithfulness!
I’m Canadian too—praying with you, Kelly, for our country and leaders
Good Morning beautiful sisters!! I know I haven’t commented on here for awhile… but I got something when reading Psalm 91 and felt led to share it with you.
Psalm 91 talks about a pestilence, a destructive plague… at first my mind went to the C-virus.. but there have been much worse and more destructive sicknesses than this in human history… so the Lord had me look at this in a different light… and I asked myself what has been the most consistent and destructive thing out there? The answer came quickly and easily, it is “SELF”.
”Self” was/is and continues to be the most dangerous form of plague out there! It distracts, it compromises, it kills, it destroys… ANYTHING in its path. It comes at night and during the day… it is always present!! But God is telling us that if we CHOOSE Him, that pestilence can NOT touch us!!! So let us be FAITHFUL in CHOOSING Him above everything else!!! We won’t be perfect at it, but God is with us, so who/what can be against us!!! ❤️
Anyways, thanks for letting me share this little nugget.. hope it opens your eyes and ministers to you the way it did me!! Be blessed today and always!! Xoxo
Praying for you @Sarah D!! I woke up feeling anxious this morning as well (my anxiety manifests in the form of nausea but thankfully did not get sick this morning!). Also @Rhonda J thank you so much for praying for me over the weekend! After my divine intervention situation this past week I feel much more confident in my singleness and feeling more encouraged to trust God and His timing to provide that special someone for me!
Happy Monday ladies ❤️
Loved today’s reading!! I would love your continued prayers friends, this is definitely one of the hardest times I’ve gone through. Still feel anxious even in the morning as I wake up and I just want to cry. Please pray that I would be thankful and remember all the good things. I’m so tired of this and I’m trying to rest, but its not panning out. Praying I would surrender and cast all my cares on the Lord.
Loving this study so much and how it is speaking to so many of us in our unique situations! Our God is SO good and can be trusted! He will never leave us! I wrote down many quotes from today’s devotion in my notebook. I hope everyone has a blessed day <3
I’m in Canada and we need people to intercede today for our country. There are major vote happening in government today and we need to pray that oppression is defeated. Praying for a miracle and a move of God in Ottawa and the entire country.
The reading in John 14 so closely ties with Joshua more than I ever thought. Gods presence has always been promised in faithfulness and I love how the Holy Spirit is a similar reflection to the audible presence Joshua experienced so many years ago. We can experience the same closeness and trust ib God if we lean into the spirit inside us and stop to listen what He he saying. Then, up carry it out with faithfulness that God is indeed good.
This devotional was so wonderful this morning! Praying for all of us to have faith in God so that our doubts are forgiven. I’m reminded of a phrase that’s been floating in the comments these past couple of weeks- “do it afraid.” That’s what it means to be courageous! To trust God, even with our human flaws and doubts, and to have the faith to move forward.
Dear God,
We believe, but sometimes not enough. We doubt Your character, and we are so sorry for not trusting You. You’ve given us every reason to trust You, and yet we turn from You. Please forgive our sins and wrap us in the safety and love of Your embrace. Fill us up with faith that drives out fear and help us be strong and courageous like Joshua and the Israelites. Thank You for hearing our prayers, dear Lord, and for never leaving our sides. We love You with all our hearts and souls. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Amen! Hallelujah!! I am in a situation right now of me quoting my job and staying home full time, however the fear and the what ifs set in…. Can we afford for me to stay home? What if we don’t have enough to provide for our family, what if the stock market crashes and we lose money? Etc etc etc. I needed these words today! God is in control of our fears and our lives no matter what we are facing or what is to come! God will provide!
RACHEL ROMERO – how is your husband doing? How are you? You both remain in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Amen!
Amen, Lindsey!
At HRT, Alex wrote, “We are right to be encouraged by all God-breathed Scripture, but we must be careful not to misunderstand where the true strength comes from. When we are called to be courageous and strong and not to fear, we are not meant to take this as a call to become Christian superheroes, unfazed by the danger and pain in our lives. Instead, we are called to remember who God is, what He has done, and what His promises for the future are. If we can renew our confidence in Jesus day by day, then we stand a chance of living as He has commanded us: not blind to fear, not ignorant of pain and danger, but awakened to the steady, unshakable strength of our faithful Lord Jesus.”
My strength is nothing; God’s strength is immeasurable.
SKY HILTON – praying for your mom and wisdom for the doctor in treatment.
MEEMOJO – praying for Canada’s leadership.
Praying for the situation in Ukraine too
COURTNEY BOX – praying for your son’s surgery today
VICTORIA E – praying for a healthy, safe, and joyful delivery of your little one. He has “Aunties” from all over the world!
Amen and Amen
This so spoke to my heart tonight, Joshua 1:9 was a significant verse for me since 2002, and I needed reminding of it today as I face similar challenges again. Praise our Immanuel, He is God with us.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
God is faithful always!