DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED (DEUTERONOMY 31:1-8)

REFLECTION “Do not be discouraged” is the theme for our reflection. Do not be discouraged means do not be disheartened or lose confidence. We shall reflect on the fact that we must not be discouraged because God is always with us. Beloved in the Lord, we must not be discouraged because God is always with…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Aug 27, 2025

2–3 minutes

REFLECTION

“Do not be discouraged” is the theme for our reflection. Do not be discouraged means do not be disheartened or lose confidence. We shall reflect on the fact that we must not be discouraged because God is always with us.

Beloved in the Lord, we must not be discouraged because God is always with us. Moses was a mere mortal and leader who had aged and was barred from entering Canaan; therefore, He assured the Israelites of God’s presence, guidance and protection. It was possible that most of the Israelites derived encouragement from Moses’ leadership and would be wondering how the journey would be without Moses. But Moses said to them “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Again, he said to Joshua, the next appointed leader, “then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 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 31:7-8) Beloved in the Lord, whether we are a nation or individuals, we are not alone on the journey if we put our faith in the Lord. He has assured through the Prophet Isaiah that “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2) In other words, God is with us through challenges and tribulations; therefore, we must not be discouraged. Paul further assures us that in God, “…we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:28). Dear brother or sister, you are not alone in your struggles. Do not be discouraged, but through prayer and faith look up to Jesus in all situations, for He has assured us that “…I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

In summary, we have been reminded that we must not be discouraged because God is always with us. Shalom

PRAYER

Immanuel, we are not discouraged because our God is always with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.