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

We have been conditioned to dread change.

Our entire lives are structured on change and transition from the very beginning of our delivery into this world. As our mothers once grew us alongside all of God’s miracles and intentions for our lives- we transitioned from an idea, a prayer, an embryo, a fetus, a baby…etc. You get the picture!

Transition and change are pieces of the story of our lives and the story of how God is leading us through every bit of the journey.

This devotional is being written at a time in my own life where transition is at an all-time high. With an oldest going to college, a husband retiring after 22 years of service in the military, my own decisions on where to go next in my career and three small children all with transitions of their own.

In asking God to walk me through these moments- I feel compelled to share what I have learned and how God has led me to lean into a deeper connection with him.

I pray this devotional helps you see God in your own circumstances and your own transitions. He is listening and He is faithful and steadfast alongside you throughout your time in transition and in the waiting for it. Let’s pray together-

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6)

Father you are good and holy-worthy of all our praise. I pray over the reader in this devotional that they may be led closer to you through the transitions they are embarking on. I pray now that you would be present and surrounding these circumstances guiding us through and teaching us as your children to follow you, to trust you and to believe in your word.

Reflection: What transitions am I embarking on? How is God already showing up here? Where can I trust him more?

With Love,
Audri Marie

Deeper Dive into Scripture

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

Deuteronomy 31 takes place at a major transition moment in Israel’s history. Moses is preparing the people to enter the Promised Land — but he will not go with them. Joshua will lead. The people are stepping into unknown territory.

Uncertainty is thick in the air.

New land.
New leadership.
New battles.

And in that uncertainty, Moses speaks a powerful promise:

“The LORD… goes before you.”

Not behind you.
Not watching from a distance.
Before you.

God is not reacting to your future. He is already present in it.

And the promise continues:

“He will be with you.”
“He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

This is not just guidance.
It is companionship.

God’s direction and God’s presence are inseparable.

And that reality transforms how you face what is ahead.

When the Future Feels Intimidating

There are seasons when your future feels unclear:

• Career changes
• Health decisions
• Family transitions
• Financial uncertainty
• Spiritual growth seasons

Fear often comes from imagining yourself alone in what’s coming.

Anxiety asks:

“What if I can’t handle it?”

Deuteronomy 31:8 answers:

“You won’t handle it alone.”

The command “Do not fear” is not based on self-confidence.

It is based on relational assurance.

He goes before you.
He walks with you.
He does not abandon you.

Fear shrinks when presence becomes real.

Use This in Your Personalized Scripture Journal

Open your Personalized Scripture Journal and bring your future into conversation with God.

Step 1: Identify What Lies Ahead

Write honestly:

• What upcoming situation feels uncertain?
• Where do I feel inadequate?
• What am I most afraid of losing?
• What responsibility feels heavy?
• Do I believe God is already present there?

Naming your fear makes room for trust.

Step 2: Rewrite the Promise Personally

Write:

“Lord, You go before me.”

Add specifics:

“You go before me into this decision.”
“You go before me into this conversation.”
“You go before me into this new season.”

Make the promise personal.

Relationship deepens when Scripture becomes specific.

Step 3: Turn Fear into Prayer

Write directly to Him:

• Admit your fear.
• Ask for courage.
• Ask for clarity.
• Ask for steady trust.

End with:

“I will step forward because You are already there.”

Trust grows when it is practiced.

Step 4: Take One Courageous Step

Choose one small action that reflects belief:

• Make the call.
• Submit the application.
• Start the conversation.
• Schedule the appointment.

Courage is not the absence of fear.

It is movement anchored in relationship.

Step 5: Repeat the Promise Daily

Each morning this week, write:

“He goes before me.”

Each evening, write:

“He was with me.”

Repetition builds confidence.
Confidence builds intimacy.

How This Builds Your Personal Relationship with God

Many believers intellectually affirm God’s presence.

But relational intimacy grows when you depend on it.

When you believe He goes before you:

You consult Him more often.
You pray before acting.
You surrender control more willingly.

Instead of asking, “Can I handle this?”
You begin asking, “Lord, how are You leading me here?”

That shift transforms anxiety into partnership.

And partnership deepens relationship.

You are not walking alone into your future.

You are walking with Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Deuteronomy 31:8 mean?
It promises that God goes before His people, remains with them, and does not abandon them in times of transition.

Was this promise only for Joshua and Israel?
While originally spoken to Israel, it reflects God’s enduring character — faithful, present, and sustaining.

Why does God command them not to fear?
Because fear loses its power when grounded in His presence.

How can I trust that God goes before me today?
Through prayer, Scripture meditation, and recalling past faithfulness.

What if I still feel anxious?
Faith often grows gradually. Continue bringing your fear into conversation with Him.

How does this verse deepen my personal relationship with God?
It strengthens trust in His presence, which builds intimacy and steady confidence.

Living Forward with Confidence

The unknown will always exist.

But you are not entering it alone.

God is not catching up to your life.

He is ahead of you.

When you believe that:

Fear loosens.
Peace grows.
Relationship strengthens.

Because intimacy is built on trust.

And trust is strengthened when you remember:

He goes before you.