He Goes Before You

“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 (NIV)

This is one of my go to verses when I am uncertain of what lies ahead.  It comforts me to know that “the Lord himself goes before” me.  Unfortunately, there are times when I forget this verse.  Last Saturday was one of those days.

I was experiencing some physical ailments which required a trip to urgent care.  It is safe to say that I hate going to the doctor, especially when it may include a female exam.  Because of my childhood sexual abuse, these exams require quite a bit of mental gymnastics…lots of self talk, reciting scripture, and prayer.

I got in the shower and the tears began to flow.  I called out to the Lord about my mess.  I reminded Him about why this was so hard for me.  To make matters worse, Kurt was leaving to go to work, I would have to go alone.  The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, began to remind me of His Word and His promises.  He turned my fearful heart to a heart of praise.  By the time I shut off the water to the shower I was singing a quiet praise song.

My copy of Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer caught my eye on the bathroom counter.  I picked it up and read that day’s devotional, October 24, “God Is with You.”  The verse for that day, Deuteronomy 31:8!  The power thought to take with you for the day:  “God is with me at all times; I never have to walk alone.”  The tears started flowing all over again, but this time in humble appreciation of how much my God loves me.

Kurt walked into the bathroom and told me he postponed his first appointment so he could go with me to the urgent care.

I really didn’t want to tell this story but felt the nudge of the Lord to write it.  I have a feeling someone who will read this may be where I was just a few Saturdays ago.  My prayer for you is that you will take comfort in this verse and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that “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!”