Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than outselves could restore use to sanity.

February 8

Scripture reading for today: Exodus 35 - 40

“ “Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle….Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued through out all their journeys.” Exodus 40:34, 36-38 NLT

Just give me the cloud! I’ll take the fire! How great would it be if “all” we had to do was get up, get dressed and follow the very visible, totally not subtle presence of God himself?

Someone asked me recently if God “updated his methods.” I’m not sure I understand the question, but what if he did? Instead of all those clouds and fires hanging around our houses, wouldn’t it be more efficient if God just text messaged us? What about email – would that get our attention? Would we follow diligently and trustingly after a God who regularly paged us?

I’m not a big fan of fussing at people. But please let me lecture for just a moment. The cloud and fire metaphor is dramatic for sure. But our God has always promised us: His presence, His mind, His guidance, His love, His beneficent purposes and plans for us. He’s told us quite plainly – as clear as any cloud and as hot with passion as any fire – that if we seek Him, we will find him.

So are you seeking Him? Is this seeking relationship driven or ritual focused? Are you seeking Him because He’s God and worthy of our worship – or so that you can get His blessing on your own personal agenda? Do you count it a privilege to peer intently into His word or is it a chore? We’ve been given some mighty powerful promises. I just wonder how seriously we take the privilege of His presence.

Thought for today: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

“Coming to believe” does not mean that we understand how to trust God with a whole heart. I am in the process of trying to figure out if I regularly seek His will or merely ask Him to bless mine. That’s the nature of “coming to believe” – it’s messy and questions outnumber answers. But take heart. God does not expect us to know how to perfectly follow Him. He does ask us to practice believing.

Thought for tomorrow:

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? …The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 8:1-4, 9:9-10 NIV

It’s natural to assume that the world rotates around us. We are, after all, our own central point of reference for all that we know and experience. Step two allows us to consider a different perspective: we are not the center of the universe. The world does not depend on us to fulfill its daily rotation. But there is One for whom that is true – and He is the kind of God that will never forsake you. So in a way, we are very special. God knows our name and cares about us. But that caring concern has more to do with His nature than our deserving it! “Coming to believe” changes everything we have assumed we knew about ourselves, our world, and our place in the story.

February 8
Teresa McBean

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