Securing Insecurity

“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend.., and the Lord would speak with Moses… face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘You say to me, “Bring up this people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.”  Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight…’  And he said, ‘My presence will go with you…’ He said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.  For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’

“The Lord said, ‘This very thing… I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name “The LORD…” There is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and cover you with my hand.’” Exodus 33:9,11-19,21-22

Moses, who enjoyed deep communion with his Lord to the point of absorbing His glorious radiance, was merely a man. In all his great faith he was a man of weakness and insecurity. It may seem a strange dichotomy for one so noble and brave, but the flesh is a nemesis for every child of God being sanctified here below.

But this gracious Father never ceases to strive with His own, respond to earnest prayer, and show Himself faithful. Moses knew and recorded ongoing communion with his Sovereign. He honestly admitted frustration and inadequacy for his assigned tasks. God performed marvelously in his behalf, yet he had his moments of doubting whether he really had His favor, and was bold to ask for reassurance. God so loved him, and understood his heart, that He responded to every request with generous grace and affection. (Exodus 4:1-13)

There are life situations that leave us reeling, uncertain in our purpose, unmoored where we’d always found security and confidence. But these revelations and changes for us are no surprise to the Almighty. They might even be His exact tool for our chastening, discipline, or upbuilding of faith. Maintaining honest dialogue with Him opens our eyes to His sure hold, grace, and glory.

Where do we struggle with insecurity of calling, direction, or God’s favor? When we cannot grasp His plan, we must seek His ways- how has He worked before? What has He taught? Are we doing our part to join His present activity, or flippantly demanding that He join ours? Do we know the desperation of needing His presence and power, and will we wait in the cleft for it?

Father, please secure my wayward emotions and fix my soul in Your truths. I long to know Your ways and behold Your glory, that You be magnified in my life.