Intentional 21 Devotional: Day 5 - Britnee Lacuesta

In His Presence Is the Fullness of Joy

Scripture: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalm 16:11

There is a joy the world cannot give—and cannot take away.

Scripture does not say that joy is found in answers, outcomes, or open doors. It does not say joy is found in progress, productivity, or fulfilled promises. It tells us plainly: fullness of joy is found in the presence of God. Not partial joy. Not temporary joy. Not joy dependent on seasons or circumstances. Joy flows from abiding. The Lord is extending an invitation in this season—not to do more, but to come closer. To dwell. To remain. To live from His presence rather than visit it occasionally.

Holiness, Reverence, and Obedience

God is not impressed by activity alone. He is not moved by gifting without surrender. He is not after results detached from the relationship. He is looking for holiness—a heart set apart for Him. He is looking for reverence—a posture that says, “You are God, and I honor You.” He is looking for obedience—a will that yields even when it costs something. Holiness is not perfection; it is belonging. Reverence is not fear; it is honor. Obedience is not control; it is trust.

And yes—obedience may lead to misunderstanding. Choosing truth may invite rejection. But intimacy with God will always be worth the cost. The question is simple and searching:

Do I stand for approval—or do I stand for truth? As I have been spending time with Abba, I feel in my Spirit, 2026 is a birthing season. This is a season of preparation and productivity. Many are carrying something sacred from God: a calling, a ministry, a message, a work of freedom, a deeper assignment.

What is conceived in intimacy must be sustained in intimacy.

Just as a mother adjusts her life for what she carries, the Spirit is calling us to guard what He has planted. Early seasons are fragile—but they are also formative. What you nurture now determines what you will deliver later. Fear, distraction, unbelief, and the worries of this world seek to abort what God is forming—but they do not have authority unless they are given access. Protect what God has placed within you. Guard the womb of promise.

Purpose Flows From Intimacy

Purpose is not discovered through striving—it is revealed through listening. You can do many good things and still miss obedience. Calling is not about capacity; it is about assignment.

And remember this truth: Your identity is not your purpose. You are always a son. You are always a daughter. Purpose is what you steward from that place—not what you use to define yourself. God is calling His children to walk out purpose secure in identity—not striving, not proving, not performing, but resting.I felt the whisper of His voice tell me, “You are walking about purpose this year but through identity”. 

Guard Your Heart

Scripture warns us to beware of leaven—small things that quietly spread and corrupt.

Leaven often looks subtle:

    •    Pride that hardens the heart

    •    Bitterness that poisons intimacy

    •    Unbelief that limits faith

    •    Unforgiveness that keeps us bound

    •    Compromise that dulls discernment

The enemy does not need to destroy you—only distract you or divide your heart. So guard your heart. Protect the place where God is working.

Living From His Presence 

This is a season to die to self—to comfort, control, and self-protection. Because real life is found in Him. And we return to the truth that anchors us: In His presence is the fullness of joy.

In His presence:

    •    You don’t strive—you abide

    •    You don’t perform—you receive

    •    You don’t chase joy—you live in it

Joy becomes your dwelling place, not a fleeting moment. What God is birthing in you is worth the preparation.

Engagement: Reflect, Pray, Respond

Reflect:

    1.    Where have I been seeking joy outside of God’s presence?

    2.    What is God inviting me to guard or nurture in this season?

    3.    Is there any “leaven” the Holy Spirit is gently revealing in my heart?

Pray:

Lord, I choose Your presence over productivity.

Search my heart, purify my motives, and draw me deeper into intimacy with You.

Help me guard what You have entrusted to me.

I say yes to holiness, reverence, obedience, and rest.

Let Your joy become my dwelling place. Amen.

Respond:

    •    Set aside intentional time this morning to be in God’s presence with no agenda.

    •    Write down what you sense He is birthing in you—and how you will protect it.

    •    Ask the Holy Spirit one simple question daily: “What does obedience look like today?”

In His presence is the fullness of joy.

And that is where we choose to live. 

With so much love,

From your sister Britnee Faith