In His Presence

by Guest Devotion Writer, Dorothy Ware


Verse for Thought:  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11 (KJV)


Several years ago I was going through a very trying and devastating time in my life and felt as if I had no one to turn to or anyone that I could talk to who would understand my plight. I would go to bed at night and not sleep because life was just throwing me all kinds of terrible blows, I had so much on me; health issues, children with their own issues, lost relationships and money woes.  I had been fired from my job and was still dealing with the loss of my husband.  No wonder my hair was turning white. 

When I couldn’t sleep at night, I didn’t count sheep, I counted bills.  They were all due and there was no money in the pot. I struggled with what to do. I was in a mess, I was in trouble. I felt like I was sinking and would surely drown. God is always in the storm with us but sometimes He will not answer us even though He hears us.

God spoke to my spirit one night and said "If you do not release it, whatever it is, it is going to kill you.” That night I came into the presence of the Lord and released every burden and every care. I will never forget it. I was freed from that heavy burden.  I gave it to my Him acknowledging He can do anything but fail. God's presence came into my life so strong, I grabbed hold of faith like I never had before and I let God do what He does best. Take care of me!

I still had all of my bills, my children were still having their problems and my husband was not coming back. But, as I released and walked by faith God supplied above and beyond my needs in so many miraculous ways. In the mist of all I was dealing with and going through I learned how to trust in Jesus. I felt like Job, thinking "Though He slay me YET will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15). Today, I have a YET praise. Yes, He brought me out, but not until I learned to release and trust Him. There is no place greater than to be in His presence. In His presence is the fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Let’s Pray:
Dear God, I thank you for every opportunity to give you praise and to remember that you are the God of everything. When I am in need you are only a prayer away. Please forgive me when I limit you to be the last resource, when Father you are my only source. Remind me of your God promise in Matthew 6:33. But seek Him first and His righteousness; all of these thing shall be added unto us.

Take The Next Step:
I would encourage you to have a closer walk with the Lord.  Realize that difficult situations do not come to destroy you but to bring you closer to God. Spend more time in His word and acknowledge Him at all times.  Be careful that you do not slip back into your old pattern of trying to take matters in your own hands. Begin to do as the scripture tells you to. God will give you the strength to endure. Your ultimate next step is to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 KJV)