"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Reading Richard's blog early this week, and in light of the horrendous events that have happened in Britain over the last weeks - innocent people about their business, mowed down in terrorist attacks – the inferno that consumed a high-rise building of flats, killing residents in their beds as the fire ran rampant through the building. It confirmed to me how comforting it is to know that wherever we go God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations, or witness such atrocities, and we wonder if God is paying attention. Those survivors whose loved ones were victims of these events may feel so alone and even depressed as thoughts of the terror and panic their dearest must have experienced - trapped, with no escape. They can't feel God's presence, and, like us, need His guidance and help.

At the best of times, sometimes friends, spouses, and parents don't really understand what we are going through. But God does and He cares. God told Joshua to be strong and to have courage. Then He told him a wonderful truth: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Yes, that's right… wherever and in whatever circumstances! We don't have to feel all alone. God is with us. He is working out the problems, and we don't even realize it.

"But now...the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.... From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions." Isaiah 43:1-3, 13

I don't have an answer as to why God allowed these events, and countless of other mindless acts around the world to occur, or, why so many innocent people died as a result. All I am certain of is that God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us, providing for us -- all with His unlimited resources. What do we need? Do we need strength, peace, love, joy, or hope? He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favour and blessing upon us. We need to be open to Him and to trust Him. We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us – now, while there is time. It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us.

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit." Ephesians 3:14-16

This Scripture is awesome, because in the aftermath of these traumas people felt the need to pray - all generations from different cultures - complete strangers, holding each other as they prayed. There is nothing that God doesn't know and can't do for us. He walks with us every moment of every day. We need to speak these Scriptures to our hearts. The devil can't stand it when we, in confidence, speak God's Word. It builds faith in us and gives us the strength to stand.

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand-up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!" Psalms 139:1-6

Tremendous acts of courage and compassion were witnessed as firemen and passers-by ran into each situation, at risk of losing their own lives, declaring like David:

"Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalms 25:4-5

They trusted in God, and so can we. No matter what is going on in our lives, He is there! God goes where we go.

"Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!"  Hebrews 10:35

(Acknowledgments CBN Martha Noebel)

Music is provided today by Jim Reeves - “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you.” Click on the picture to listen.