Sensing God’s Presence in the Midst of Struggles

Number 23 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of the awesome blessings God gives us each day. I hope it encourages you today!

We all go through struggles when frankly we feel all alone.

I’ve talked with people who knew they were dying. And no matter how much support they had they walked it alone.

I’ve felt that aloneness too as I’ve gone through struggles. The support of loved ones was tremendous. But in the end I had to walk the path by myself.

Photo Credit: Blake Danger Bentley

We can surround ourselves with others. Stay busy in our jobs. Work diligently on the problems. All of those things are helpful and good.

Yet, when the busyness stops and we pause we feel the weight of facing the challenge alone. And it can feel overwhelming.

We enter into what’s been called “the dark night of the soul.”

That’s why I find Jesus’ promise so powerful and comforting.

He said, “Knock and the door will be opened to you. . . . To him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7: 7-8 NIV)

Jesus says when we’re tired of walking that path alone and we’d like someone with us on the journey all we need to do is ask. Just simply ask to enter into a relationship with the one who will never leave us.

Often it’s in those times we’re most open to asking. It was that way for me.

Then Jesus says when we knock the door will open wide and we’ll be invited in to be part of his family.

Then what happens?

First, we’ll never be alone again. Sure we may be apart from our loved ones at times. But he says we’ll never be truly alone. We’ll feel God’s presence in those times in a way that simply cannot be explained. He’ll walk with us as no other person possibly can.

Second, Jesus understands what we’re going through. He lived on earth as a man. He faced struggles. He was deserted by friends. Yet, he never walked alone because he knew his father was always with him. And he offers us the same.

Third, as part of his family he offers us his power to overcome the struggles. Not only is he with us but he’s helping us as well.

Fourth, we’ll be with him for eternity. So when we’re staring into the abyss of death we know we’ll not be alone then either.

We walk through struggles alone but we don’t need to be alone.

When have you felt God’s presence in a struggle?