His Presence

On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out. And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.” Numbers 9:15-23

The visible presence of God was with the Israelites, guiding their every step. The cloud was over the tent of the tabernacle by day and a cloud of fire by night. Whenever the cloud moved, the Israelites would pack up the tent and move. Imagine, the visible presence of God guiding each move of life. What a gift of security, stability, peace, and safety. At all times, they knew God was with them.

Moses knew the importance of the presence of God. Recall, Moses had told God that if He was not with them on the journey from the Promised Land, they shouldn’t go.

And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16

The presence of God is a focus in the Bible. From Genesis 1 through Revelation, God is present. When He is present, there is peace. He was, is, and will be our refuge. The Psalmist in chapter 46 praised Him for His presence.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-11

Once, the disciples and Jesus were in a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee. They had many experienced fisherman in the boat, so this wasn’t their first storm. Nevertheless, they felt they were dying. Scared to death, they called to Jesus.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:37-39

Peace! Be still! The raging wind and the storms were gone. A great calm took over the sea.

Just as in times past, the presence of God is with us today. This is a promise with the gift of the Holy Spirit after Jesus died on the cross. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says “I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”

Although we don’t have the cloud guiding us by day or the fire by night, the same God that was with the Israelites is with us today. And, to know Him, understand Him, develop greater faith in Him, we must spend time with Him in His Word.

In order for the relationship of a marriage to blossom, it must be cultivated. We must continually know our spouse, learn about our spouse, spend time with our spouse. A relationship with God is no different.

Spend time with Him to learn, know, grow. When the storms of life rage, you will have built the solid foundation to stand on. You will know His Presence is with you.

And just like in a marriage, there will be times when God feels distant, not present, disconnected. Doubt will, no doubt, creep in. But, God has provided a way to reconnect, His Word. Jump back in.

The presence of God is found in His Word.

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