Remain in God

Tuesday, June 23

Remain in God    

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. Exodus 33:11

Exodus 33 speaks about the special relationship that Moses had with God. God would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. This relationship was also extended to Joshua.

Exodus 33 speaks of Moses returning to the camp after meeting with God, but in verse 11 we’re told that Joshua didn’t leave the tent. What amazing preparation it was for Joshua, remaining in the presence of the Lord! Later on, Joshua was one of the twelve men sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land (Numbers 13), and while ten of them could only focus on the problems and their own weaknesses, seeing the people there as giants and themselves like grasshoppers, Joshua’s response was completely different—he reported hope. One can conclude, having spent time in the presence of the Lord, Joshua was able to see things from God’s perspective and have complete faith that God would do what He promised. This report should encourage us today to remain in God.

Do we remain in the presence of the Lord, or do we pop in and out, hastily asking for help for all that we need? Because Joshua spent time with God it’s no doubt he grew in faith. It’s no wonder God was later able to entrust to him the tremendous responsibility of leading the people into the Promised Land.

God is longing for us to remain with Him so that He can speak to us face to face. The more we do, the more we will see ourselves as He sees us instead of focusing on our weaknesses and problems, and the more we will see the situations we are up against from His perspective.

Prayer for today: Lord, I am sorry for not trusting You. Forgive me for the times I have popped quickly in and out of your presence. I want to learn to remain in your presence so you can speak to me, and I want to see things as you see them. Please help me to do this. In Jesus, Amen.