Stay at the Tent

 Scripture:

“Then they would bow down because a thick cloud would come down in front of the tent, and the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, just like a friend. Afterwards, Moses would return to camp, but his young assistant Joshua would stay at the tent.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:9-11‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Moses had come down the mountain after being with the Lord and receiving God’s commands. The people were already in sin by making an image and worshiping it. Moses had a tent he called “The Tent of Meeting” where he would go to meet with God to see what He wanted to do with His terrible people. This verse speaks of Moses going into that tent while all Israel watched, but it adds that Joshua would stay at the tent after Moses would return to camp. Joshua must have hungered for the presence of God. His lingering in the presence of God may be why God chose him to lead into the Promised Land.

Application:

We shouldn’t be in a hurry to leave the presence of God. We need to spend time in God’s presence. In His presence we receive all we need. I am on a retreat this week in Florida for that purpose. To linger in God’s presence, to hear His voice, and to learn to live in that manner. I long for the presence of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, we have set aside this week to meet with You and to learn about spiritual and emotional health. Help me to glean what I need to hear Your voice more clearly and to know what You are doing at all times. Teach me to walk according to Your ways. I am Yours. I want to be in Your presence and remain there.

Yours,

Jeff