#psalm23

Sensing God’s Presence

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I often wonder if you’ve ever experienced a presence so strong that it brings you to tears, even when you don’t fully understand why. Maybe I’m a bit different, but I find myself experiencing this phenomenon more often than I would expect—not every day, week, or month, but certainly more than once a year!

sensing God's presence

Recently, while driving in my car, I listened to a song by CeCe Winans that brought tears to my eyes. Then, about a week later, I heard another song that gave me chills, evoking strong emotions yet again. Although I can’t pinpoint why these moments happen, I firmly believe they are reminders from God of how far He has brought me. These emotions remind me to reflect on where I was and where I am now, filling me with gratitude.

Some might view my experiences as unusual or overly spiritual, but to me, they are a response to prayer. It’s my desire to feel God’s presence, and I never want to become numb to it. I believe these moments are intentional, ensuring I remain aware and appreciative rather than taking this divine connection for granted.

In Psalm 16:11, we discover a glimpse of why such overwhelming experiences occur when we are in the Lord’s presence: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” David experienced joy in God’s presence, and if we look at Psalm 23, we find reassurance as well: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

psalm 16-11

2024 has been a challenging year for me. There were numerous moments when I felt like quitting, retreating into my shell. Yet, in the quiet of the morning, when no one else was around, God was. During my toughest days, He brought me peace in those early hours, gently reminding me to “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act” (Psalm 37:7).

I don’t know how 2024 has treated you—whether positively or negatively—but I assure you that God is in control. Be still in His presence and wait for Him to act. While I can’t promise everything will go your way, I can promise that no matter what happens, He will be right beside you, reminding you of His protection as you walk through life’s shadows. Sometimes we mistakenly believe we succeed on our own; I trust in my talents, but I trust even more in His grace. I hope you will too.

Uncertain?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

 

I am sure you have seen the comments about the pandemic from the news media, your friends on social media, and probably family members and close friends. People who are experts in one area are now experts on the pandemic too. I believe we will all do well to press into God and listen to His voice, especially during these times of uncertainty.
We don’t know what the future holds; we I know who holds the future. No joke. I also know that even if I knew what the future had in store for me, I cannot do one thing about it except watch and wait. So, I sit at my home, just like you, and wait to see what’s next.

uncertaintyWhile I wait, I pray that my faith stays strong. I pray to shut out all the “experts” who are not experts, and I pray to take things seriously and also not to overreact.
I remind myself when the semi-experts begin to talk that God empowered professionals to study medicine and all kinds of diseases. I will listen to them. Also, I remind myself that everything is not a conspiracy. So when I read where people are spreading innuendo and gossip, I move right pass them. Listen, this is the time to trust God and listen to the scientists and medical experts.
I am no medical expert, nor am I a Biblical scholar. I am, on the other hand, a Believer. Not just a Sunday Believer, but an every day, Bible read and prayer Believer. I know that God has a plan and purpose for each of us. I do trust that His will be done. I also have to trust what the medical experts tell me and take their guidance seriously. So I wash my hands regularly, stay away from crowds, go out to exercise alone, and then I go back to my house and remain unless there is an urgent need.

Like you, I don’t like uncertainty. What keeps me going? Believing what the Word of God tells me. 2 Timothy1:7, “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-faithoverfearcontrol.” So I try very hard not to fear, but to trust. His Word says in John 14:18, “I will not leave you desolate: I will come unto you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” So, I remind myself the God is here right amid this uncertainty. He said He would be, so I will not fear. The scripture that really speaks to me during these times of uncertainty is found in Psalms 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Feeding my mind with the Word of God rather than people reduces my anxiety.

There is no doubt that uncertainty fuels fear. However, faith can help us to overcome that fear. Recognize that having faith does mean we are void of fear; it means we can look at fear and trust God despite what we see or feel.
I want to encourage you today. If you do not generally read, start reading your Bible each day. Also, stop and say a simple prayer and remember to think about the needs of others. These acts will reduce your anxiety. More importantly, these acts will take the focus off yourself and cause you to care for the needs of your family, friends, and neighbors. These acts are contagious and will have a domino effect that can impact your attitude and the attitudes of those around you.