The Cloud

I have been really treasuring my private study in the Old Testament. One of the most recent passages that really jumped out to me was in Numbers chapter 9:15-23. Basically the Israelites had to look every single morning to see whether the cloud was above the tabernacle. If the cloud stayed put; they stayed put. If the cloud was on the move, then they were supposed to move. But they didn't know what the cloud would look like from day to day. "Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days, or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out."

I was struck with how my life should mirror this. Every morning I need to check in with the Lord to see where He is and what He's doing. If He wants me to move, then I move. If He wants me to stay put; then I'm not going anywhere. It doesn't matter what He's been doing for the last week, month, day, or year. Every day is a fresh opportunity to seek Him first. And it's not optional.

I know it's a simple truth, but it really hit home with me again. If I don't make it a priority to spend daily time seeking God, it's not going to happen.

I gotta confess, I also chuckled a bit wondering how many kids tried to stay up to see if the cloud would move or not for the next day.

Seriously though, can you imagine for 40 years living like that? The first thing you do in the morning is check and see where the cloud is so you know what your day is going to look like. Whether your entire family and possessions are about to hike for a while, or if you'll stay put for a bit. Kind of mind blowing.