Live Life in the Cloud

SCRIPTURE
Exodus 40:34-38

34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.


OBSERVATION
According to verses 36-38, the Israelites never went without the presence of the Lord. It says, "whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted." They always looked to the presence of the Lord in the cloud by day, and fire in the cloud by night.

APPLICATION
Wow, in previous readings of this scripture, this never stuck out so much to me. It is encouraging because in everything, I want to be sure that I am under the covering of the presence of the Lord! In my commings and goings, my decision making, and in everyday life, I always want to be in the presence of the Lord. The awesome thing is, because of the cross, that gap was bridged that lets me enter into the presence of the Lord fully, whenever I so choose. I want to choose to LIVE in his presence.

PRAYER
Father I need you. I want to remain in your presence always. Help me to be ever mindful of you and to invite you into every aspect of my daily life. I don't want to have to run to you when something is wrong or to struggle to enter into your presence after a tough day, I want to be able to say, "I'm already in your presnece, lets talk!" Father forgive me for taking your presence for grantid at times and help me to live life in the cloud of your presence!
Amen.