God’s Comforting Commitment 最大的安慰
Dexu Xia
The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Years ago, our family visited Four Corners, the only place in the United States where four states meet at one location. My husband stood in the section marked Arizona. Our oldest son, A.J., hopped into Utah. Our youngest son, Xavier, held my hand as we stepped into Colorado. When I scooted into New Mexico, Xavier said, “Mom, I can’t believe you left me in Colorado!” We were together and apart as our laughter was heard in four different states. Now that our grown sons have left home, I have a deeper appreciation of God’s promise to be near all His people wherever they go.
After Moses died, God called Joshua into leadership and guaranteed His presence as He expanded the Israelite’s territory (Joshua 1:1–4). God said, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (v. 5). Knowing that Joshua would struggle with doubt and fear as the new leader of His people, God built a foundation of hope on these words: “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” (v. 9).
No matter where God leads us or our loved ones, even through difficult times, His most comforting commitment assures us that He’s always present.
By: Xochitl Dixon
How has God recently comforted you with His constant presence? How does His commitment to be present help when you’re far from loved ones?
Ever-present God, thank You for comforting me with the promise of Your constant presence.
你无论往哪里去，耶和华你的上帝必与你同在。—约书亚记1章9节
多年前，我们全家去四角落（Four Corners）游玩，那是美国唯一的四个州边界的交会点。我丈夫站在标有亚利桑那州的一角，大儿子跳进犹他州的角落，小儿子沙维尔牵着我的手，一起踏入科罗拉多州的角落。当我走到新墨西哥州那一角时，沙维尔说：“妈妈，你怎能撇下我，把我丢在这里！”我们虽在一起却又彼此相隔，四个不同的州都能听见我们的笑声。现在儿子们都长大了，不在身边，我对上帝的应许有更深的体会，无论祂的儿女在何方，祂都必陪伴在他们身边。
摩西死后，上帝呼召约书亚成为领袖，并向约书亚保证，当祂扩张以色列的疆土时，祂必与约书亚同在（约书亚记1章1-4节）。上帝说：“我怎样与摩西同在，也必照样与你同在；我必不撇下你，也不丢弃你”（5节）。上帝知道约书亚成为以色列百姓的新领袖，有时会感到怀疑与恐惧，因此，为了让约书亚有信心，有坚定的盼望，上帝对他说：“我岂没有吩咐你吗？你当刚强壮胆！不要惧怕，也不要惊惶，因为你无论往哪里去，耶和华你的上帝必与你同在。”（9节）
不论上帝引领我们或我们所爱之人前往何处，或是经历何种困境，上帝都向我们保证，祂永远与你我同在，还有什么比这应许更能安慰人心呢？
作者： 邓书琪
上帝时刻的同在如何使你得安慰？
当至亲都不在身边时，上帝必同在的应许如何帮助你？
无所不在的上帝，感谢祢时刻与我同在，感谢祢这应许使我心得安慰。