1984) One of my young scholars came to me recently and asked if she could see me during her recess time. I told her, of course.  

When she came, a friend came with her. As they sat down side-by-side, the first girl said the friend came with her for support and she went on to describe a problem she was having.  

I thought of this when I read Deuteronomy 20:1 this morning. The Israelites seemed to have felt like my young scholar when faced with their own enemies. Here God promised to be by their side as they battled with them.  

There are times in this life when we need help. Having a God who stays by our side always can meet this need, if we’ll recognize he’s there and doesn’t move.