“On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. At the command of the Lord the people set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out. And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord.”
“And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’ And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.'” Numbers 9:15-23; 10:35-36
Day in, week out, it would seem the Israelites were content to move or stay as the Lord commanded. Many words are used to describe a rhythm known only to God and an obedience, it seems, strictly adhered to. But we also know that trust for direction and protection was riddled with discontent in absolutes and rife with grumbling and harsh discipline. Over forty years the Lord weeded out the many who rebelled against His word and ways. Submission never comes easily, but always brings blessing. (Numbers 13:25-14:7,28-31; 16:41-42)
It can be a life-long journey to slough off the rough edges of impatience and the need to control our time and space. Waiting often brings out the worst in us, exposing willful pride and stubbornness- at least it brings up and out some snarls we need to confront. Measured against God’s consistency, care, and faithfulness, our fretful fussing is quite sorry.
Consider a day, or month, or longer, of being sequestered under God’s cloud, unable to see in the distance, knowing His presence, wondering at His unfolding invisible purposes. What might He do deep within us? How can we use the pause to learn from His word of His character, His ways with men? When His clock strikes, how ready are we to set aside our agenda and follow His lead? What will it take in surrender and trust to live on God’s timing?
Father, keep me vigilant in waiting and watching for, and following Your every move, that Your will be done.
As the rain and snow 