30 November Deuteronomy 20

Don’t panic. God, your God, is right there with you

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (MSG) “When you go to war against your enemy and see horses and chariots and soldiers far outnumbering you, do not recoil in fear of them; God, your God, who brought you up out of Egypt is with you. When the battle is about to begin, let the priest come forward and speak to the troops. He’ll say, “Attention, Israel. In a few minutes you’re going to do battle with your enemies. Don’t waver in resolve. Don’t fear. Don’t hesitate. Don’t panic. God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win”.

*What to do when you feel you are at war?*

Do not fear when you are outnumbered. God is with you; with God on your side, you will never be outnumbered. Psalm 91:7-9 (AMP) “A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you. You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High]. Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place”.

When the battle is about to begin, remember not to fear, hesitate, or panic. Don’t Fear" To not fear means to refuse to let worry or dread control you. Instead, trust that God is in control, even in uncertain situations. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 56:3 (ESV) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you”. Don’t Hesitate: it is about moving forward with confidence when you know what to do. It means trusting God’s guidance and stepping forward with courage. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. James 1:5-6 (NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”

Don’t Panic: means staying calm and collected even in high-pressure or chaotic situations. It’s a call to rest in God’s peace and trust Him to bring clarity and stability. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Jesus confirms this in John 14:27 (ESV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” These verses encourage us to replace fear, hesitation, and panic with faith, trust, and the peace of God.

God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win.

Since God is always looking for those trusting in Him, He will never forget or overlook you. Just as a mother constantly watches over her children on the playground, God is watching over you. At the first sign of trouble, the mother rushes to the aid of her children. When trouble comes your way, God is right there with you. God is actively seeking ways He can support and empower you today. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (AMP) “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you will have wars”.

In times of struggle and overwhelming odds, we are reminded of the truth: God is with us, fighting our battles and securing victory on our behalf. When we feel outnumbered or under pressure, He calls us not to fear, hesitate, or panic. Instead, He encourages us to stand firm, knowing His presence is our greatest strength. Even though thousands may fall around us, we remain safe under His care. With unwavering trust in God, we can exchange our fear and anxiety for His peace. He empowers us to move forward with confidence, just as Joshua did, knowing that the Lord’s eyes are on those who are His.

As you face challenges, remember that you are never alone. God, your mighty defender, goes with you. Like a mother watching over her child, He sees every detail of your battle and will not abandon you. Stand firm, for victory is assured by His power and faithful presence.