What do you think?
Rate this book
The Promise is His Presence: Why God is Always Enough
Glenna Marshall is wondering something. What if she told you that you don’t have to go looking for God’s presence? What if she told you that God’s presence is something you can enjoy all the time?
God’s presence among his people set him apart from the pagan gods of ancient times. His presence on earth as God Incarnate split history in two. And today his presence is one of the most significant means of his goodness to us. Glenna’s own awakening to God’s presence began in the depths of winter. Rereading her journal, she realized that for six months she’d been cataloging all the ways God had abandoned her as she suffered from chronic pain. What if that . . . wasn’t true? Something had to change. Interweaving her own story of faith and doubt amid suffering, Glenna traces the theme of God’s presence from Genesis to Revelation and shows what it means for us in our own daily joys and struggles.
God’s presence among his people set him apart from the pagan gods of ancient times. His presence on earth as God Incarnate split history in two. And today his presence is one of the most significant means of his goodness to us. Glenna’s own awakening to God’s presence began in the depths of winter. Rereading her journal, she realized that for six months she’d been cataloging all the ways God had abandoned her as she suffered from chronic pain. What if that . . . wasn’t true? Something had to change. Interweaving her own story of faith and doubt amid suffering, Glenna traces the theme of God’s presence from Genesis to Revelation and shows what it means for us in our own daily joys and struggles.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
63 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Glenna Marshall
10 books627 followersGlenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and lives in rural Southeast Missouri where she tries and fails to keep up with her two energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise is His Presence: Why God is Always Enough (P&R, 2019) and Everyday Faithfulness: The Beauty of Ordinary Perseverance in a Demanding World (Crossway, 2020).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 3, 2019
This book is stunning! Glenna beautifully walks through the whole story of Scripture as she tells her story. Her writing is full of biblical truths and paints pictures so well that you almost feel like you're sitting on her beige couch with her listening to her share these things with you. This book is a great read, one that I would read again. And so theologically sound! Go buy this book ASAP!
December 30, 2024
This book is part memoir, part Bible Study, part devotional as Glenna walks the reader through an overview of the Story of Scripture. Specifically how God’s good character & His faithful presence is so clearly displayed within its pages and how that’s the hope we cling to in present sufferings. She brings to light the clear way God the Father was faithful to His promise of presence to the Israelites, how Jesus as Immanuel is the fulfillment of that promise, and how His Holy Spirit is the seal on believers of that eternal promise.
With vulnerability, she shares how His presence became real to her through her struggles of infertility, pain, and suffering - but she’s also honest about her own sin and struggles along the way. I especially loved the chapter about the church being the tangible display of God’s presence here on earth.
“The sorrow of suffering and deferred hopes truly is a gift when it unsettled us from the mediocre wanting and uncovers the truth that our ache isn’t just for healing and wholeness, but for the One who can make us healed and whole.”
This book is both for the seasoned believer to grow deeper in their understanding & experience of God’s presence, and also for the new Christian to grasp what the presence of God looks like in Scripture and their own life. You’ll find encouragement to see God’s goodness and kindness in the midst of your anguish - read this book!!
With provided discussion questions, I think this book would be especially impactful done within the context of a Women’s small group.
“Here’s what’s true: God is good because he is God. The circumstances that he allows in your life, do not negate his goodness. Rather they are assembled in such a way as to give him glory for his goodness. The struggle lies in how we respond to those plans of His that don’t make us feel immediately happy.”
“His goodness does not hinge on our fulfilled desires. Our desires are fulfilled when they are hinges on our enjoyment of His good character. “
“Everything changed when my focal point moved from myself to my Creator. Gazing at the character of God, I beheld His presence in the middle of my suffering, right in the middle of my living room. It didn’t end my suffering. Looking at Him instead of myself help me to persevere through it.”
“Feeding the soul from sustenance grown from God’s immutable character is enough. It is more than enough to sustain us when we grieve, hurt, worry, wonder, hope, or fear. He is more than enough.”
“Each day of waiting brings new opportunities to treasure God Himself more than the tangible things He might give us.”
“He will be enough forever. He will be our satisfaction. He is every note. He is every crescendo and every rest. Every note to the song we will sing forever begins with His name and ends with His praise. The promise has always been His presence.”
With vulnerability, she shares how His presence became real to her through her struggles of infertility, pain, and suffering - but she’s also honest about her own sin and struggles along the way. I especially loved the chapter about the church being the tangible display of God’s presence here on earth.
“The sorrow of suffering and deferred hopes truly is a gift when it unsettled us from the mediocre wanting and uncovers the truth that our ache isn’t just for healing and wholeness, but for the One who can make us healed and whole.”
This book is both for the seasoned believer to grow deeper in their understanding & experience of God’s presence, and also for the new Christian to grasp what the presence of God looks like in Scripture and their own life. You’ll find encouragement to see God’s goodness and kindness in the midst of your anguish - read this book!!
With provided discussion questions, I think this book would be especially impactful done within the context of a Women’s small group.
“Here’s what’s true: God is good because he is God. The circumstances that he allows in your life, do not negate his goodness. Rather they are assembled in such a way as to give him glory for his goodness. The struggle lies in how we respond to those plans of His that don’t make us feel immediately happy.”
“His goodness does not hinge on our fulfilled desires. Our desires are fulfilled when they are hinges on our enjoyment of His good character. “
“Everything changed when my focal point moved from myself to my Creator. Gazing at the character of God, I beheld His presence in the middle of my suffering, right in the middle of my living room. It didn’t end my suffering. Looking at Him instead of myself help me to persevere through it.”
“Feeding the soul from sustenance grown from God’s immutable character is enough. It is more than enough to sustain us when we grieve, hurt, worry, wonder, hope, or fear. He is more than enough.”
“Each day of waiting brings new opportunities to treasure God Himself more than the tangible things He might give us.”
“He will be enough forever. He will be our satisfaction. He is every note. He is every crescendo and every rest. Every note to the song we will sing forever begins with His name and ends with His praise. The promise has always been His presence.”
January 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ - likely 5 if I had read rather than listened to it.
This book is rife with exhortations to pick up your copy of Scripture, dive in, and know God better. Really insightful, introspective, deep discussion questions. Looking forward to sitting down again with this one physically in my hands and my Bible in my lap to search all the scripture references she makes and treat it more devotionally.
This book is rife with exhortations to pick up your copy of Scripture, dive in, and know God better. Really insightful, introspective, deep discussion questions. Looking forward to sitting down again with this one physically in my hands and my Bible in my lap to search all the scripture references she makes and treat it more devotionally.
April 6, 2020
Excellent. I underlined a ton! A good read for anyone struggling with infertility, the fear of infertility, chronic illness, or really any issue that does not have a quick and easy answer on this earth. Very relevant for a pandemic, too, I would think.
I would probably give this 4.5 stars if that were allowed, but I'm feeling generous and rounded up. My only real quibble was with the fact that the author frequently makes extremely vague references to being hurt by her church family in the past, and does not explain what constituted this. I understand why she didn't want to go into detail if it might have offended people in her personal life, but as a reader I kept expecting an explanation and felt a little put off by not getting one. I would have preferred if she had just left these references out, if she didn't feel comfortable sharing details, rather than making vague allusions that kept hinting at more information later on which never came.
I would probably give this 4.5 stars if that were allowed, but I'm feeling generous and rounded up. My only real quibble was with the fact that the author frequently makes extremely vague references to being hurt by her church family in the past, and does not explain what constituted this. I understand why she didn't want to go into detail if it might have offended people in her personal life, but as a reader I kept expecting an explanation and felt a little put off by not getting one. I would have preferred if she had just left these references out, if she didn't feel comfortable sharing details, rather than making vague allusions that kept hinting at more information later on which never came.
July 5, 2019
I felt like I was in Glenna's living room, gleaning from her wisdom and soaking in God's presence through her words, in the midst of my own trials. She beautifully presents the entirety of Scripture as it relates to human need and God's offering to fulfill it. And she shares her personal story as one who has experienced deep pain and found Him to be enough. It's the who not the why, she says, that matters most in our sufferings.
One of my favorite quotes: "Goodness that is limited to comfortable circumstances is a small goodness. But goodness that permeates even our darkest nights, goodness that is present in our most piercing moments of pain, goodness that lifts our weary chins and comforts us with its presence—that is a big goodness, a goodness that lasts, a goodness that does not turn with shadows or fade with change. That is God’s goodness. His goodness alone can transcend our sorrows, because He does not change. God’s goodness is a fixed point among the rotations and revolutions of our sufferings and longings. Like the Savior in the manger, this goodness is unexpected—but it is what we need."
One of my favorite quotes: "Goodness that is limited to comfortable circumstances is a small goodness. But goodness that permeates even our darkest nights, goodness that is present in our most piercing moments of pain, goodness that lifts our weary chins and comforts us with its presence—that is a big goodness, a goodness that lasts, a goodness that does not turn with shadows or fade with change. That is God’s goodness. His goodness alone can transcend our sorrows, because He does not change. God’s goodness is a fixed point among the rotations and revolutions of our sufferings and longings. Like the Savior in the manger, this goodness is unexpected—but it is what we need."
January 25, 2021
Excellent. I read this one slowly to take in the gospel truths in its pages.
Glenna Marshall has struggled with infertility, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and broken relationships. She takes us on a journey through God's Word (Genesis to Revelation) showing us how God has promised to always be WITH us and how that is enough.
Part 1: What we lost in the Garden
Part 2: What we gained at the Cross
Part 3: God's presence now and forever
Each chapter ends with discussion questions.
I highly recommend it.
"For so many years I thought the answers to my prayers lay in the tangible good things that God could give me. But those things He has given me - children, physical healing, restoration - are grace upon grace. The bottom layer of grace that He's given me first is always Himself. Without Him, those other gifts would hold little meaning. His presence during all the broken years of my life is the first grace - the foundation that holds the other layers of grace upon grace upon grace. First it was Him. It was always Him. And it will always be Him. In heaven, it will be FULLY Him."
2021 A book by or about a pastor or a pastor's spouse
Glenna Marshall has struggled with infertility, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and broken relationships. She takes us on a journey through God's Word (Genesis to Revelation) showing us how God has promised to always be WITH us and how that is enough.
Part 1: What we lost in the Garden
Part 2: What we gained at the Cross
Part 3: God's presence now and forever
Each chapter ends with discussion questions.
I highly recommend it.
"For so many years I thought the answers to my prayers lay in the tangible good things that God could give me. But those things He has given me - children, physical healing, restoration - are grace upon grace. The bottom layer of grace that He's given me first is always Himself. Without Him, those other gifts would hold little meaning. His presence during all the broken years of my life is the first grace - the foundation that holds the other layers of grace upon grace upon grace. First it was Him. It was always Him. And it will always be Him. In heaven, it will be FULLY Him."
2021 A book by or about a pastor or a pastor's spouse
June 29, 2024
Glenna Marshall is slowly becoming one of my favorite Christian writers. This book was geared towards those who are waiting or suffering. So although I’m not necessarily in one of those groups at the moment, I was encouraged by the reminder that he has sought to be near to us, made a way to be with us, and we will be in the midst of His full presence for eternity.
“For so many years I thought the answers to my prayers lay in the tangible good things that God could give me. But those things He has given me- children, physical healing, restoration- are grace upon grace. The bottom layer of grace that He’s given me first is always Himself.”
“His desire is for you to know Him, to be changed by the power of the gospel, and to grow to spiritual maturity. His purposes for your life might include marriage, children, careers, health…or they may not. But as you enjoy His presence and learn His character through His word, you’ll learn to trust Him and His purposes for your life—whatever it looks like. His presence will be enough, no matter what.”
“For so many years I thought the answers to my prayers lay in the tangible good things that God could give me. But those things He has given me- children, physical healing, restoration- are grace upon grace. The bottom layer of grace that He’s given me first is always Himself.”
“His desire is for you to know Him, to be changed by the power of the gospel, and to grow to spiritual maturity. His purposes for your life might include marriage, children, careers, health…or they may not. But as you enjoy His presence and learn His character through His word, you’ll learn to trust Him and His purposes for your life—whatever it looks like. His presence will be enough, no matter what.”
August 7, 2019
Promise keeper: He promises to be with us!
This beautiful book is a testimony of Who God is as revealed in the Word and how Glenna has experienced this and seen it in her life. It is so easy to get wrapped up in lies or overwhelmed by the differing opinions so this book reminds us Who and where our anchor is! But not that we have to find it, we get to rest in it! Because He has promised us to be with us!
This book is definitely 5/5 stars!🌟
This beautiful book is a testimony of Who God is as revealed in the Word and how Glenna has experienced this and seen it in her life. It is so easy to get wrapped up in lies or overwhelmed by the differing opinions so this book reminds us Who and where our anchor is! But not that we have to find it, we get to rest in it! Because He has promised us to be with us!
This book is definitely 5/5 stars!🌟
August 18, 2022
Every Christian should read this book. Such a beautiful reminder of God’s presence with us and how that hope in Him is never deferred. Glenna walks through the old and New Testament to show how God was always with His people and how He is with us even now, to show how faithful God is and has always been.
January 29, 2025
I don't feel like any of this was super groundbreaking for me, but it was full of sweet reminders of God's presence through scripture and personal stories
November 7, 2023
This was a balm for my soul in my current season, addressing both the bad theology I absorbed and some of the trauma I'm working through with the truth of Scripture. For that, I am so thankful. I appreciate that Glenna Marshall weaves her personal story throughout, but the book is solidly about God's promise of presence given what He says about Himself. Good theology in a very readable format.
March 20, 2024
A must read! I am going to put it on my "need to read again & again" list!
September 4, 2021
"God's presence is not contingent on our invocation of it."- Chapter 11
Glenna Marshall serves as a sort of storyteller guide on the biblical narrative of God's presence. She uses her own story that I highly resonated with- her infertility, her inflammatory arthritis diagnosis, and her deep church hurts while being a church revitalizer's wife. However, this isn't a story of a her overcoming obstacles to get what she desires; instead, it's a story of how God's presence was always enough for her, even when she couldn't see it. And she takes us on the same journey, this time with Biblical narrative to back it up. From the Garden of Eden, to the Israelites, to the incarnation of Christ, to the promise of heaven- Marshall traces God's presence throughout all of history.
This book is edifying and encouraging. There was so much personal transparency that I knew this was real- gems of truth that were hard-won in her life. Deeply-rooted but uncomplicated to read, I highly recommend this book to anyone. Seriously, there is not a phase of life where I think these words will go amiss.
Glenna Marshall serves as a sort of storyteller guide on the biblical narrative of God's presence. She uses her own story that I highly resonated with- her infertility, her inflammatory arthritis diagnosis, and her deep church hurts while being a church revitalizer's wife. However, this isn't a story of a her overcoming obstacles to get what she desires; instead, it's a story of how God's presence was always enough for her, even when she couldn't see it. And she takes us on the same journey, this time with Biblical narrative to back it up. From the Garden of Eden, to the Israelites, to the incarnation of Christ, to the promise of heaven- Marshall traces God's presence throughout all of history.
This book is edifying and encouraging. There was so much personal transparency that I knew this was real- gems of truth that were hard-won in her life. Deeply-rooted but uncomplicated to read, I highly recommend this book to anyone. Seriously, there is not a phase of life where I think these words will go amiss.
August 3, 2019
This book is an excellent encouragement for those Christians who are suffering, wondering if God is present and active in their lives, or who just feel stagnant in their walk with the Lord. Glenna Marshall writes with clarity and conviction, showing how the theme of the presence of God is woven into the fabric of Scripture from beginning to end. I love how she personalized the book by sharing with the reader her own personal dark nights of the soul, and I related to much of what she wrote, though our struggles are different. There are so many passages I wanted to highlight that I feel like every page would be yellow! I highly recommend this book.
*I received an advance copy of this book in digital form but was not otherwise compensated in any way for this review.*
*I received an advance copy of this book in digital form but was not otherwise compensated in any way for this review.*
February 25, 2025
I am going to reread this book many times and have already recommended it. This book is very well written. The author takes the story of the Bible and shows how God desires to be with his children and how his presence is always enough even though we look to other things to fill us. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time!
March 3, 2025
At the beginning of the year, a friend challenged me to pick a word for the year. I don’t participate in this trend because when I have picked a word for the year, that never turns out to be an appropriate word. So I did not pick a word but told her how I was thinking a lot at Christmas time of how “Emmanuel” means “God with us” and the implications of that. Then I saw this book and knew I had to read it! And it was everything I’d been hoping for!
This book talks about how through all of the Bible, God wants to dwell with His people, first in the garden of Eden, then the tabernacle and temple, then through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and lastly through the church and eternity with Him. The author traces these stories with her own experience of seeking God’s presence through infertility, chronic pain, and church hurt. She follows the idea that God’s presence is enough to meet any longing we have. It was such a beautiful, comforting, challenging read. I highly recommend it for those going through hard things or those who want to be or feel closer to God.
This book talks about how through all of the Bible, God wants to dwell with His people, first in the garden of Eden, then the tabernacle and temple, then through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and lastly through the church and eternity with Him. The author traces these stories with her own experience of seeking God’s presence through infertility, chronic pain, and church hurt. She follows the idea that God’s presence is enough to meet any longing we have. It was such a beautiful, comforting, challenging read. I highly recommend it for those going through hard things or those who want to be or feel closer to God.
July 12, 2020
Having never read anything by Glenna Marshall, I really didn’t have high expectations of this book. It is a treasure that I will definitely be recommending. Chock full of Scripture, this book takes a close look at the gift of God’s presence as shown throughout the history of Creation, The Fall, and Redemption. The author is heartbreakingly vulnerable in her simple telling over her own story and how God has led her gently through suffering and sorrow, and her own realization of where real Hope lies.
December 15, 2023
Glenna Marshall writes of how the Lord's presence is all we need and how He sometimes uses suffering and unmet longings to point us to Himself and remind us of His sufficiency. She walks through Scripture to point to how He has never left His people, even when they strayed and longed for something or someone else to satisfy them. But because of His great faithfulness, we have all we need in His presence even now through His Word, the Spirit's working in us, and the fellowship we have with His Church!
February 16, 2025
A needed and excellent book. As someone who has suffered chronically, I know from my friends I dont need more advice or remedies I just want them near and to know they care. This book is a needed reminder that God is ALWAYS there and near and He is always enough! He promises throughout scripture and He is faithful to fulfill His promises! I loved how Glenna weaved through the Bible and her own life to point us to truth and back to our Lord. This book was a gem.
September 11, 2019
We are all trying to make sense of the pain we are allowed to experience while being loved by a sovereign God. If we study Scripture, as Glenna shows us, we see that our greatest need is not relief from pain or answered prayers for good gifts but to know the presence of God in our lives. God graciously allows pain to point us to Him. Many good insights and wisdom from her story. As one who is grieving, I found much comfort in her words. Read the word, love the church, and know the presence of God. Let God use pain to draw us close. It is worth every believer’s time to read this one.
January 29, 2020
SO GOOD.
The reason that I recommend this is not so much for how it handles the subject in tone (which was excellent, by the way!) but how the author is continually pointing back to Christ.
More review to come
The reason that I recommend this is not so much for how it handles the subject in tone (which was excellent, by the way!) but how the author is continually pointing back to Christ.
More review to come
July 3, 2023
One of my new favorites! I love Glenna’s writing style and how she weaves in her own story along with Biblical reminders that God is always with His people, always keeps His promises, and is always enough.
September 16, 2024
I wish more people would read this book. She is not a well-known author so that might be why. Her insights and first-hand experiences with suffering make her relatable. She is real and not judgmental toward the reader. Well worth the read.
October 24, 2022
Solid book on how God is enough in the valleys of life and the unwavering hope of His presence.
March 14, 2023
Excellent and timely. Filled with Gospel truth and poignant reminders. God is WITH us. In all. And that is enough.
October 5, 2022
The best book I’ve read on how to endure suffering and trials as a Christian. Glenna does not provide an easy fix, but rather encourages the Christian to keep their eyes on God and cling onto His promises in order to persevere in the faith.
April 29, 2025
I have little to no memory of reading this the first time, so this was a really encouraging, helpful read. The author was encouraging and honest, having gone through great extended periods of suffering of her own. highly recommend. also not a difficult read, yet deeply theological.
March 25, 2025
All I can say is WOW I needed this book!! So so good, encouraging, convicting and raw!!
August 2, 2019
*This is a review copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.*
"We try to quiet our need with food and drink, music and books, relationships and possessions. None of these things feel like the wrong answer—until we wake up one morning and realize that we’re self-medicating our yearnings with created things. In the middle of the night, when nothing else can heal the pain of betrayal or loneliness, we can only go to the One who knows it all."
The Promise is His Presence is Glenna’s own story of doubt & faith. She recounts the times she felt God was not present and she felt alone. Glenna shares about struggling with infertility, church hurt and chronic pain, Throughout the book she helps you discover God in the dark times. This would be a great book for anyone who is suffering, or who is feeling God is not active or present in their life.
Purchase: https://amzn.to/31ad1em
Quotes:
“Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps us to believe in His future faithfulness.”
“Every promise of God’s perpetual presence in the Psalms is medicine for the broken heart.”
"We try to quiet our need with food and drink, music and books, relationships and possessions. None of these things feel like the wrong answer—until we wake up one morning and realize that we’re self-medicating our yearnings with created things. In the middle of the night, when nothing else can heal the pain of betrayal or loneliness, we can only go to the One who knows it all."
The Promise is His Presence is Glenna’s own story of doubt & faith. She recounts the times she felt God was not present and she felt alone. Glenna shares about struggling with infertility, church hurt and chronic pain, Throughout the book she helps you discover God in the dark times. This would be a great book for anyone who is suffering, or who is feeling God is not active or present in their life.
Purchase: https://amzn.to/31ad1em
Quotes:
“Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps us to believe in His future faithfulness.”
“Every promise of God’s perpetual presence in the Psalms is medicine for the broken heart.”
April 30, 2025
Summary: Glenna shares her personal struggles, how they affected her view of God, and how He showed her He is faithful and present in all of the joys and trials. Each chapter ends with discussion questions.
“Here’s what is true: God is good because He is God. The circumstances that He allows in your life do not negate His goodness.”
💭 This book was a beautiful and scripture saturated reminder of God’s presence in your life no matter the circumstances you find yourself in.
Read if you: feel shame about a situation, are angry at God because of your circumstances, or want to understand God’s presence with His people.
TW? The author discusses her particular struggles. The message is that the struggle should not be your idol. This book could be a more challenging read if your struggle is the same as the author’s; however, she wrote this for women experiencing this and a wide range of circumstances so it isn’t really a book to avoid because it might bring discomfort. It’s meant to challenge your view of your situation. If you need more info DM as I do not want to spoil the content for everyone.
“Here’s what is true: God is good because He is God. The circumstances that He allows in your life do not negate His goodness.”
💭 This book was a beautiful and scripture saturated reminder of God’s presence in your life no matter the circumstances you find yourself in.
Read if you: feel shame about a situation, are angry at God because of your circumstances, or want to understand God’s presence with His people.
TW? The author discusses her particular struggles. The message is that the struggle should not be your idol. This book could be a more challenging read if your struggle is the same as the author’s; however, she wrote this for women experiencing this and a wide range of circumstances so it isn’t really a book to avoid because it might bring discomfort. It’s meant to challenge your view of your situation. If you need more info DM as I do not want to spoil the content for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews