It is interesting how parenting changes over the years.  A new son or daughter is born and you are there for every little need.  The become young children and begin to try some things on their own like eating and getting dressed but still un her your watchful eye.  Then they become teenagers and they long for independence (and you may as well).  They go off to college and you miss them desperately.  Next thing you know they are grown-ups with grown up jobs making their own decisions often living in other places and you wish you could be there to help them just like when they were a child.  The thing is, it is a little bit different with our heavenly Father.  Let’s look together today at Joshua 1. 

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 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.”

While we may feel like we are on our own an independent, God is always with us.  Like our relationship with our children He longs for us to remember what we have been taught and use that to guide our lives.  While it may be tough sometimes when our children are grown and away from us we can rest in the truth that God our Father is their Father as well.  He never leaves us and always keeps His watchful eye on us.  He tells us that if we remember His teaching we will prosper in what we do.  I hope that can make all of us strong and courageous. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave