Nancy Taylor Tate
“…if thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.” Exodus 33:15-16
As we pray prayers of consecration, yielding ourselves to the Lord, expressing our desire for more of Him, foundational is the understanding God is present and active in our lives. He loves those who love Him. When we seek Him, we find Him. He will draw us, as He works within our lives. He will also give us enabling grace, as we come to Him for it.
The passage I would like to consider today is out of Exodus 33. The Lord said He would bless His people for His name’s sake. He promised them victory over their enemies and a land flowing with milk and honey. But, because of their stiff-neckedness He would not be in their midst.
In spite of the great promises they just received the people mourned, because they valued the Lord’s presence and desired Him to be with them. Moses began to make intercession for the Lord’s presence. When the Lord saw their response He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
The above passage is another scripture that has gone deeply into my heart through the years. How can we go forward in our lives, or in the days before us except God be in our midst? What is our testimony apart from the anointing, His presence in our lives?
God loves (agapes) the whole world; it is not His will that any should perish! But there is also that in the heart of God which is toward them that love Him. Psalms 91:14-15 speaks of the Lord’s nearness and help “because he hath set his love on me.” Proverbs 8:17, 34-35 speaks of His love, blessing and favor on those who love Him.
When Moses interceded for the presence of the Lord, the Lord responded. “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Foundational to entering into “His rest” is that I abide in Him, as He abides in me. I must believe that “He is” and that “He is a rewarder” of those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). That as I wait on Him, He renews, or exchanges my strength for His strength (Isaiah 40:31). How important it is that we let these truths sink deep into our spirits, as we spend time in His presence with His word! How important it is that we value His presence!
If you would like to pray along with me:
We have set our hearts to seek You. There are adjustments You are making deep within us, and we thank You. Forgive us for times we have not been more aware of Your presence. Forgive us for times we have not sought You, Your way, Your council. We determine to seek Your heart, Your wisdom in circumstances that come our way. Give us hearing ears. Forgive us for times we have been too busy to pause and listen. We determine to seek You with our whole heart. We value Your presence in our midst and long for more of You…