“At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.” Numbers 9:18-19
During the forty years that the children of Israel sojourned in the wilderness, their tents were all pitched to face the Tabernacle, where the presence of the Lord dwelt.
Each morning as they rose to face the day, they would open their tent door and look toward the Tabernacle. Was the cloud still there? If it were, then they knew they would be staying put for another day. They would gather their manna for the day and go about their usual routine. If it was lifting, they knew that it was time to move. They would take down their tent, pack up their belongings, and wait for the signal to travel.
Today, we do not see a cloud in the sky directing our movements. But we do have the Holy Spirit dwelling within our hearts, and we look to Him for guidance as to how we will spend our day. As we take time to read His Word and communicate with Him in prayer, we gather provisions for the day. Thank Him for keeping us through another night and for the many blessings He has provided. Trusting Him to direct our steps, we go about our daily tasks.
Throughout the day, we often whisper a prayer, asking for His direction. He may interrupt our plans and routine and lead us on a different path than we have chosen. A telephone call, a text, or just a nudge in our heart will be more important than what we had planned for the day. The important thing is that we keep in communion with the Lord, so that we can hear His voice and be willing to follow His instructions.
Philip’s story in Acts chapter 8 is a good example: Verse 29 “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Thought For Today: Have you asked for the Lord’s direction today? Are you willing to follow His leading even if it interrupts your schedule?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
