Exodus 40:34-38 34Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
36Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
Merriam-Webster defines presence as “the fact or condition of being present”. As I read this passage today, I thought about the Israelites being able to see God’s presence every day and night. The cloud represented God taking care of the Israelites and giving them direction. As many of you know in Exodus God’s people escaped slavery in Egypt and made their way to the promise land. During these travels God’s presence was with them in the form of a cloud and God provided food and water during their journeys. He also gave them direction in which to go.
From this we learn God is present. He provides for us. He also gives us direction.
God is Present.
God is present in our lives. He is there for us in our darkest nights, and He is there in our greatest joys. Thinking about the cloud over the Israelites today made me wonder if the Israelites were in awe of God’s presence with them. I sure would be knowing I could see His presence day in and day out. What a blessing! Yet I know, even though I cannot see God’s presence I feel it in my heart. He is my best friend, and I can go to Him and talk to Him about what is going on in my life at any time. I am in awe of this knowledge.
God Provides for Us
Other places in Exodus you can read how God provided for the Israelites needs. You can read how He provided manna and quail for them to eat. You can read how He provided water a couple of times. Finally, there is mentioned the Israelite’s sandals never worn out. It was everything they needed on their way to the promise land. God also provides for us. We have food, water, and clothes. I have seen God’s provision many times. I am often in awe of how He knows exactly how much I need at any given time. Twice now I have been in quarantine for COVID. This second time I have not been sick but had tested positive when I went to the doctor for bronchitis. Never once did I run out of food or even toilet paper.
God Gives Us Direction
In the verses above we read “Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted.” God literally told them when to move by His presence in the cloud. Amazing! Sometimes I wish God would give us a sign like this, so we know when to move on. Yet we can sense His direction when we allow God to lead us. God can lead us to pack up and move. He can give us direction in our careers. He can also lead us in our spiritual life. I have seen this many times in my life, especially in this last year. I felt He directed me to move to a larger city. I felt God leading me in my career choices, especially with this blog. And I felt lead to grow more spiritually through reading the Bible, praying throughout my day, and being involved in a local church. I am in awe at God’s direction of leading in my life.
Life is a journey. It is a better journey with God’s presence in it. Have you asked God to give you His cloud of presence in your life?
Below is a couple of books on God’s presence from Christianbook.com Home. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may earn a percentage of the price at no extra cost to you. This helps keep this website running. Thank you for your support.
| The Fire of God’s Presence: Drawing Near to a Holy God By A.W. Tozer, edited by James L. Snyder What is keeping you from experiencing God’s presence in your life? One of the most influential pastors in recent history, Tozer uses the story of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush to teach us why and how to kneel and worship in a spirit of reverence and holiness. Never before available in print. 192 pages, softcover from Bethany. |
| The Attentive Life: Discerning God’s Presence in All Things By Leighton Ford Distractions and fear and busyness were keeping Leighton Ford from seeing God’s work in and around him. So he began a journey of longing and looking for God. And it started with paying attention. In The Attentive Life, he invites you to journey with him. Using the tradition of praying the hours, Ford walks with you to help you pay attention to God’s work in your life. The way toward God starts with intention and attention–and eventually becomes a way of life, awake and alive to the peaceful, powerful presence of God. Paperback. |
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