Chasing Truth™: Read the Bible Cover to CoverSample

The Presence of God

While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, Moses pitched a tent to meet with God. He set it up a good distance from the camp, but close enough for the people to see him enter the tent to speak with God. Moses set an example and a precedent by faithfully meeting with God. The Israelites watched as the pillar of cloud descended, resting in front of the tent entrance.

I can’t even imagine seeing that! Moses made it clear that he wasn’t leading through his own ideas, experiences, or strengths. He met with God faithfully to listen for His instructions. Exodus 33:10 shares that when the people saw the cloud descend, signaling God’s presence was with Moses, they would worship, each at their own tent door. Verse 11 says something noteworthy about Joshua, Moses’ assistant. When Moses left to go back to camp, Joshua stayed in the tent. 

Joshua lingered in the presence of God. Joshua needed his own personal meetings with God to journey well in the days to come. Joshua would need the confidence God’s presence provided when he would later face battles against threatening enemies. Joshua would need to know how to seek God and be led by Him when Moses was gone. Joshua lingered with the Lord.

Friend, we need to regularly take time to linger with the Lord. We may not face physical battles, but we definitely will face spiritual battles against a very real enemy. You and I have the same opportunity Moses and Joshua had, to set aside time to be in the presence of God, listening for His voice, His instructions, and His encouragement. Pressing into intimacy with God will never be easy, but no better discipline exists to pursue than faithfulness in His Word and in His presence. Ask Him to help you take your relationship with Him to another level, then listen to His instructions. You’ll never regret it. He cherishes you! You are beloved and desired by Him.