Keeping the Lord's Charge

 Life is difficult. We can't see the future. We never know what is around the next bend in the road for us. If we try to navigate life on our own, we will fail miserably at the things that really count. The only sure way to do life the best way for us is to follow God's commands and to keep His charge. That is what Israel did in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. (Numbers 9:17.23) They followed the Lord by following the cloud of His glory which resided over the tabernacle. When the cloud lifted, they set our following the cloud. When the cloud came down, they camped. They were on God's timetable, and they went according to His directions. That was the only way they made it well, and it will be the only way we will really succeed in our lives.

Sometimes, the cloud of God's presence would stay for just one day, and other times it stayed for a long time. This really tried the patience of the people. What a chore to unpack and then pack back up for a one night stay. Then, when the cloud lingered a long time in one place they stayed, even though they wanted to go on to their goal. God's timing is always best. He can see the future. He knows just what we need. That is why we have to keep His charge, not getting ahead or falling behind the Lord. Also, God knows the way to where we need to go in life. He knows the best way, not just a way. When we trust Him fully, we have a full and satisfying life, and we have all that we need. God is so good in that way, if we will just trust Him and keep His charge of what to do and when to do it. All of this takes being very sensitive to His leading, since we don't have a cloud to follow. However, we have the Spirit to clearly direct us, if we will listen well.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 10-12.