A deployment stretches a family across distance and danger, with fear on both ends and long silences in between. Whether you are the one leaving or the one staying, God holds you both. These verses are for a deployment, to give courage to the one who goes and peace to those who wait.
What God says over a deployment
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High abides under His shadow.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you wherever you go.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
The Lord watch between us while we are absent from each other.
“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Lord is near the brokenhearted while you are apart.
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
The Lord bless and keep you both, and give you peace.
Where this all leads
Distance cannot separate either of you from the love of God, and He is with both of you at once. Jesus watches over the one who goes into danger and comforts the one who waits at home. Entrust each other into His hands; He is the God who watches between loved ones who are apart, and He is able to bring you back together.
Lord, guard the one who is deployed and comfort those left behind. Give courage where there is fear and peace where there is worry. Watch between us while we are apart, protect us both, and reunite us in Your time. Hold our family in Your hands. In Jesus name, amen.
You were never meant to walk this alone
The family here will pray with you, and you can hear how Christ has met others in the same place.
Psalm 91 (protection), Joshua 1:9 (courage), and Genesis 31:49 ('the LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent') comfort during a deployment.
What can a military family pray during deployment?
Pray for the safety and courage of the one deployed, peace for those at home, and God's watchful care over the distance between them (Psalm 121:7-8, Genesis 31:49), trusting Him to reunite them.