How to Be Assured the Lord is Always With You

As a pastor I have had numerous times to be discouraged and question whether I am doing God's purposes for me. Should I be here? Is God really with me? Recently while reading the book of Joshua I read a familiar passage and almost missed a significant point that would answer my question. The Jews are about to enter the Promised Land so Joshua is giving them last minute encouragements. Chapter 1:8-9 reads: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I am familiar with verse 8 for the purposes of memorization and meditation but have not thought of verse 9 with verse 8. I know that doesn't make sense but I first learned verse 8 by itself. So the answer to my original question is found in verse 9. It is when I am in God's Word I am in His presence. When I wonder whether or not the Lord is near, all I need to do is open the Scripture, or as it instructs in this context, review Scripture by memorization and meditation. When I open my Bible it is the same as if God had just walked into the room and said, "I have something to say just to you that you need right now." When I am discouraged, afraid, despairing, etc, just go to the Word and realize God is present.