A Cloud of Guidance.

I would like one.  Wouldn’t you?

As the Israelites start moving across the desert, we read more in the book of Numbers about the Cloud of God which initially covered the tabernacle.  Now the cloud begins to guide the Israelites – step by step – on their journey.

When the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, approximately 2.5 million Israelites would break camp and follow.  When the cloud settled back down on a spot, they would all stop, put up the tabernacle and then set up camp in their assigned places around it.  We read that sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days before moving on and other days the cloud stayed only from evening to the next morning.  Whether the cloud remained over the tabernacle for 2 days or a year, the Israelites stayed until it lifted.  Then they packed up and moved on.

At night the cloud became a pillar of fire.  Of course it did!  That way the Israelites could see it in the dark and know they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Wow!  There are alot of situations in my life where I would love to have such clear guidance!

On second thought, as a believer, I know I have the Spirit of God living in me – my own cloud!

I just need to tune in and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s moving and prompting.  The easiest way for me to do this is to spend time reading and thinking about what God is telling me every day through his Word.   Sometimes I’m supposed to move and other times I’m supposed to be still, focused on my relationship with him.

It’s amazing how clearly he speaks when I’m listening carefully and consistently.

Thank you for giving me my own Cloud of Guidance, Abba Father.