Deuteronomy 20:8-9 - Then the officers shall add,
“Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers
will not become disheartened too.” When the
officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over
it.
As the people neared a time of battle…Moses gave them
specific instructions for each situation they might face in war. Most of the instructions were directed at
what spoils they were allowed to keep…and what must be destroyed. But Moses made sure to include several verses
that gave those with unfinished business…or too much fear…a chance to go home.
I might be stretching my understanding of these verses a bit
too far…but I couldn’t help but see a lot of value …in war or other times….in letting
our negative emotions get to the point that they begin to affect others. Negativity breeds more negativity…it says in
Galatians 6:1…” Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression,
you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch
on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
I am guilty…as usual….and needed a reminder that when I
allow negative thoughts…and especially when I voice them to others….satan loves
to take them and plant seeds of discourse. I need to claim Philippians 4:8…which
says…”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there
is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Father…thank you for the reminder that I must stay positive…never
giving satan a chance to use my negative thoughts against me or anyone else in
my pathway. Forgive me for the many
times that I have allowed negative thoughts to harbor…or be voiced at all. Help
me to spend so much time with you that I hear your small still voice reminding
me of a positive thought …anytime my thoughts turn negative. Amen.
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