What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:15
Jacob was alone and far from home when God spoke these words to him in a dream. God promised to be with him, protect him wherever he went, and bring him back. Jacob woke up and said that God was in that place and he had not even known it. The verse is a comfort for any traveler, God is present on the road too.
ReflectWhere might you notice God's presence on your next trip, even in an unfamiliar place?
The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
Exodus 33:14
Moses was leading the people through the wilderness toward a land they had never seen. He asked God not to send them on without his presence, and God answered with this personal promise. God would go with them and give them rest. It is a lovely verse to read before a long trip, asking for both company and calm along the way.
ReflectWhat would it mean to you to have both God's company and his rest on this journey?
You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the Lord will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.
Isaiah 52:12
Isaiah spoke these words to people who would one day travel home from exile. Unlike their ancestors who fled Egypt in a hurry, they would leave calmly, with the Lord going ahead of them and guarding them from behind. The picture is of God surrounding a traveler on every side. It is a peaceful verse to read before setting out.
ReflectHow might it change the start of your trip to picture God going ahead of you and guarding you from behind?
“See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.
Exodus 23:20
God spoke these words as his people prepared to travel toward the land he had promised them. He describes sending an angel ahead of them to protect and lead them safely. The verse paints a picture of God preparing both the path and the destination. Many people pray it before setting out on a journey.
ReflectHow does it encourage you to know that God goes ahead of you and prepares the place you are going?
They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.
Proverbs 3:23
In this chapter a father describes the benefits of living by God's wisdom, and safety on the road is one of them. The image of feet that do not stumble was a vivid one when most travel was on foot over rough ground. It remains a simple and memorable verse for traveling mercies today.
ReflectCould you make a habit of praying this verse each time you start the car or board a plane?
