ONLY IN HIS PRESENCE
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16: 11
King James Version
I’m not feeling well and I had thought about not writing this devotion. The thought came to me “What would have happened to us if Jesus hadn’t walked that long and lonely road to Calvary to die?” I am sure that Jesus didn’t feel well because He had been beaten beyond recognition. He had been spat upon, they plucked His beard, and they mocked Him and cursed Him.
No, our precious Saviour didn’t feel well when He allowed them to crucify Him on a cross of horror and excruciating pain. We only have just a little glimpse of the agony that He suffered for us. I believe for every nail they pounded into His hands that He felt the nail being pounded into His heart. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus died of a broken heart.
Before He was crucified, He prayed and spent time with His Father. I believe that is the only thing that got Him through all of the agony that He endured for us. Just as spending time with His Father comforted Jesus, so spending time in the presence of Jesus was what helped me to write this devotion. We can have times of happiness with our families and loved ones but it is only when we are in the presence of Jesus that we have the fulness of joy.
Whatever problems and heartaches you have in your life today, if you will stay in the presence of Jesus you will have joy in your heart regardless of your circumstances. He will comfort you, encourage you and give you the strength to go on. Thank You, Jesus, for being our strength and our comforter. You are the best friend we will ever have and I love You with all of my heart.
Joanne Lowe
September 21, 2008
