Our Daily Bread 16 November 2019 Devotional – Dad, Where Are You?
Topic: Dad, Where Are You?
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Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 3–4, Hebrews 11:20–40
Key Verse: 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 31:8
Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1–8 (NIV)
Today’s Insight
In Deuteronomy, Moses recounts in three speeches (chs. 1–4; 5–26; 27–34) the history of the Israelites about to enter the Promised Land. The forty years of punishment had ended, and all Israelites twenty years and older when the exodus began had died, except Moses, Joshua, and Caleb (Numbers 14:29–35). Moses urged the Israelites to learn from their past unfaithfulness and to trust God (Deuteronomy 31:4–6). Moses himself wouldn’t enter Canaan because of his disobedience (v. 2). On the way to the Promised Land he dishonored God at Kadesh by striking the rock for water instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:1–13; Psalm 106:32–33). Yet Moses was permitted to see Canaan from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1–5).
Today’s Word: “Dad! Where are you?”
I was pulling into our driveway when my daughter, panicking, called me on my cell phone. I’d needed to be home by 6:00 to get her to play practice; I was on time. My daughter’s voice, however, betrayed her lack of trust. Reflexively, I responded: “I’m here. Why don’t you trust me?”
Our Daily Bread 16 November 2019 – Dad, Where Are You?
But as I spoke those words, I wondered, How often could my heavenly Father ask that of me? In stressful moments, I too am impatient. I too struggle to trust, to believe God will keep His promises. So I cry out: “Father, where are you?”
Amid stress and uncertainty, I sometimes doubt God’s presence, or even His goodness and purposes for me. The Israelites did too. In Deuteronomy 31, they were preparing to enter the Promised Land, knowing their leader, Moses, would stay behind. Moses sought to reassure God’s people by reminding them, “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” (v. 8).
That promise—that God is always with us—remains a cornerstone of our faith today (see Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, Revelation 21:3 culminates with these words: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”
Where is God? He’s right here, right now, right with us—always ready to hear our prayers.
Reflect & Pray
What Scripture brings to mind the truth of God’s presence? Place it somewhere easily visible to remind you.
Father, help us to see how much You love us!
Our Daily Bread 16 November 2019 – Dad, Where Are You? was written By Adam Holz (Our Daily Bread Ministries)
