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 NIV
This verse whispered across millennia, resonates deeply. We yearn for victory, for purpose, and for the unwavering presence of something greater than ourselves. But what does it truly mean to be in God’s presence? And how did it manifest in the dramatic conquest of Canaan by a seemingly flawed people?
The Israelites’ journey to the promised land is not a tale of flawless heroes and effortless triumph. It’s a raw, human story of rebellion, doubt, and, ultimately, reliance on a power far greater than their own. While their righteousness was often questionable, their victory hinged on one crucial factor: God’s unwavering presence. This secret weapon propelled them forward, the invisible force that turned the tide against seemingly insurmountable odds. Since no one can defeat God, not even the strongest army, when He goes to war, He will surely gain victory for Himself and the people who follow Him.
Take the Israelites’ initial defeat at Ai. They relied on their own tactics and assumed that God was with them, but they did not realise that the presence of God had departed from their midst. They marched into battle but returned humiliated. Why? God revealed the reason: sin had separated them from His presence. Like a tangled web, their transgressions had cut them off from the very force that guaranteed victory. So, when Joshua sought God’s face, he realised that God’s presence did not go to the battle with the people.
The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
Joshua 7:10-12 NIV
This shows us that God’s presence is essential for our victory over life’s challenges and obstacles. Without God’s presence, we are vulnerable and powerless. We cannot assume God is with us, but we must seek His face and obey His commands. We must also repent of any sin that may hinder our fellowship with Him and cause His presence to depart from us.
Meanwhile, God, in His infinite grace, offered a path to redemption. He instructed them to purify themselves, to cast aside the accursed things that clung to them like shadows. Only then, with contrite hearts and spirits aligned with His will, could they experience the transformative power of His presence once again.
God’s presence requires purity and holiness from His people. His presence demands sanctification and consecration from His people. God is holy, and He cannot tolerate sin in His presence. So, God instructed Joshua to purify the people and to remove the sin that had defiled them. Therefore, we must set ourselves apart for God and His purposes.
Now go and make the people pure. Tell them, ‘Make yourselves pure. Prepare for tomorrow. The Lord, the God of Israel, says that some people are keeping things that he commanded to be destroyed. You will never be able to defeat your enemies until you throw away those things.’
Joshua 7:13 ERV
The story of Achan, the man who stole forbidden spoils and brought defeat upon his people, further illustrates this principle. His sin wasn’t just an isolated act; it was a symbol of the potential rift that can exist between us and God’s presence. Only after his transgression was purged and the people purified could they truly claim victory, as seen in the glorious conquest of Jericho.
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.
Joshua 8:1 NIV
God assured Joshua that He would be with him and give him victory over his enemy. He also gave him a strategy and a plan to execute His will. God did not leave Joshua to his own devices but guided and empowered him. God fulfilled His promise and gave Joshua and the people a great victory over Ai.
This assures us that God’s presence brings blessing and favour to His people. God does not abandon us or leave us to fend for ourselves, but He promises to be with us and to help us. He gives us wisdom and direction to accomplish His will. He fulfils His promises and gives us success and prosperity in our endeavours.
This message transcends the sands of time. It whispers to us today, reminding us that victory doesn’t come from earthly might or personal righteousness. It comes from aligning ourselves with the divine force that moves mountains and parted seas. When we seek purity, surrender our hearts, and embrace His will, we invite His powerful presence into our lives.
Just as the Israelites experienced the thrill of victory with God by their side, we, too, can overcome challenges and achieve true success. Let us remember Deuteronomy 31:8 not just as a promise from a distant past but as a living invitation to walk in His presence, embrace His power, and claim the victories that await.
