We are joined today by a fellow Live-Free friend, Lesley Crawford. Lesley lives in Scotland, is a youth worker, and loves music. We love her heart for the Lord and pray you will also.

Click here to download a PDF of today’s devotion, prayer, scripture, and further study>>>>>In God’s Presence Day 8

Lesley writes:

I made it to the prayer room just in time. The anger within me was about to explode and I knew I would be unable to hold it back for much longer.

I was aware that my reaction was out of proportion to the current situation, but something much deeper had been triggered. I didn’t have the words to explain and I doubted that anyone would understand if I tried. I needed to find a safe place to let it out before someone who knew.

It was an unusual time of prayer- no holy words, reverent praise, or humble confession- just pain and rage and tears. It was fury over the injustice and demands to know why. It was ranting and raving while lying on a pile of beanbags in the corner of the prayer room, kicking like a toddler having a temper tantrum. I was far beyond the point of pretense or politeness.

It wasn’t a very respectful time of prayer, but it was honest. It was real.

And the thing I discovered that day was that God could take it. I could come as I was, not as I felt I should be. He knew my situation and he cared.

As the anger finally drained away, it was replaced by a sense of comfort and peace.

God was there. In the midst of the pain and the turmoil, he hadn’t abandoned me.

Jesus taught, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)

I discovered that day what it really means to mourn- to honestly lament the injustice in the world and to grieve over the brokenness of life- but I also discovered the blessing that comes from knowing God’s comforting presence in the midst of it.

As I finally left the prayer room that day, nothing had changed about my situation, but I was strengthened by the comfort of knowing that God was with me and I didn’t have to face it alone.

~Lesley

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for allowing us to come to you, broken, hurting, distraught, and in need. Thank you for meeting us where we are and for being our comfort in a time of trouble. Help us extend the comfort we find in Your presence with others who are also in need. Amen

Further Study:

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

Are you encouraged today to offer comfort to someone else? Reach out to that person with a call, text, card or visit.

Leslie writes that when she emerged from her prayer room “nothing had changed about my situation, but I was strengthened by the comfort of knowing that God was with me and I didn’t have to face it alone.” This reminds us of Paul’s teaching on contentment found in Philippians 4:11. Read this verse:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Is there a circumstance that you are grieving over? perhaps more than one? Write them in your notebook followed by, “Even if ___________ doesn’t change I rejoice and find strength and comfort in God, who will not leave me to face this alone.


Join us tomorrow as we explore renewal in God’s presence. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect partner to comfort?

Subscribe To Our Blog

Join our mailing list to receive the latest posts and news from Faithfully Following Ministries

You have Successfully Subscribed!