On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. Whenever the cloud lifted above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they camped. Sometimes the cloud stayed over the tabernacle only a few days. Sometimes the cloud remained from only evening until morning. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. Numbers 9:15-22 selected
Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8:2
My words…
Praise
Full dependence on You results in a life where true knowledge, wisdom and contentment are realized on earth and in the hereafter. I know that. I also know that full dependence on You does not dwell in a pride-filled heart. There’s not room for both. Pride pushes You out. But how to teach that to Your children? Don’t give them a choice? Yesterday, that’s how I read this history passage. Today, I have a different take on it. If I were an Israelite, camping in the wilderness, and I had my tent all decked out just the way I like it, I may not want to tear it all down when Your cloud lifted from the tabernacle. I may have decided (after a period of grumbling) to stay put and remain in my tent while everyone else moved on. My choice. Maybe a few others would have decided to do the same thing, then we could have formed our own little tribe of misfits. But this scenario could only end one way – death. Either nature or some other hostile tribe would overtake me. But for those who remained dependent on You – those who knew You do not act randomly – claimed their part of the milk-and-honey inheritance and declared boldly: “It was all worth it!”
Prayer for me
Like the rest of the world, I am living six feet from everyone. I am a wanderer in a strange wilderness, a place I have never been. News of death and illness pervades all other news. Confusion among world leaders is evident. Which expert opinion do I trust? Remind me of the One on whom I should be dependent. It is You. It should always be You.
Forgive me
There are times when I allow the crush of speculation and forecast to push my spirit away from Yours and question Your care. There are also times when I want to stay put when You are calling me to move. My pride pushes You out. Forgive me.
Prayer for others
I pray for Your continual presence in the lives of those who are examples of how to stay the course and stand firm under the cloud of your provision. Give them an extra portion of Your Spirit to share with others.
Thank you
Thank you for turning the hearts of Your children toward You in this time of uncertainty. I read so many messages of hope and deliverance from those living under Your cloud by day and Your fire in the dark times. We’re all living under Your cloud of dependency, and You’re bringing out the best in us!
More praise
Satan is on the prowl; he’s wily, and he knows when to pounce. But here’s one thing I’ve noticed: I recognize him more clearly during times of adversity. He’s like a bear trying to hide behind a twig. Perhaps it’s a renewed dependence on You that turns the spotlight on him. His weaknesses are being revealed in this time. And Your power is being glorified.
