Thursday February 8, 2024

As we begin our journey through this NEW YEAR 2024 living in God's daily NEW MERCIES, I invite you to wander with me in pictures through one of Cartagena, Colombia's most fascinating neighborhoods: Getsemaní. Here, Narrow Alleyway in the heart of Getsemaní.

NEW YEAR, NEW MERCIES: DAY 9

Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. ~Deuteronomy 20:3-4

 

The words of Hezekiah, king of Judah, ring as true today as they did in the scary moment centuries and centuries ago when they were first spoken. Judah had been invaded by the powerful king of Assyria, Sennacherib. Hezekiah prepared and armed Judah for battle, but that is not all he did. He addressed the people with a more significant issue. He knew that in these moments God’s people were often given to fear… [they] would panic because they were identity amnesiacs. They would forget who they were as the children of God and they would forget who God is in all His almighty power and glory. So at this moment, Hezekiah knew that he couldn’t just be a good king and a skilled general; he must also be a wise pastor to his people. 

So he said: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him. . . . With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:7–8). 

Look up and remember your God. As God’s child, you are never left to battle on your own. 

Thank You God, that I needn’t fear anything or anyone in this world, because I am Your child and You are a sovereign, all-wise, all-powerful, all-good and all-loving God to me.