Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Recommended Reading

Psalm 63

As Adam and Eve looked back on the Garden of Eden, their physical removal from the Garden was a visual reminder of their break in their relationship with God. Despite their dismal circumstances, God had a different ending in mind. He did not forsake His creation.

God’s affection for us is revealed through His presence. He heard Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish. He sustained David as he waited to become king while being ruthlessly pursued by King Saul. God positioned Queen Esther to save His people from annihilation.

The God of the Garden became the God of Gethsemane, sacrificing everything for our salvation. Jesus does not run or recoil from our weakness, pain, or brokenness. He took our sin upon Himself and beckons us to come. Even in the midst of our darkest days, God is with us. Nothing can separate us from Him and His love.

We learn that “the Lord was with Joseph” in slavery, and then in prison. In other words, God is not just in the garden anymore—he shows up even in the most painful and difficult places. That’s good news for anyone in trouble, and a hint of the Good News to come.

John Ortberg

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Deuteronomy 26 – 27

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