Direction from the Lord

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And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

- Exodus 13:21-22

“I wish I had clearer direction from the Lord.” Have you ever found yourself saying these words?

We look at today’s passage and see the Lord so clearly leading his people. He’s not some localized deity that they left behind when they escaped Egypt. He didn’t work his magic and then disappear. His continued presence said something to them about his desire for an ongoing relationship with them.

God is especially present to his people in the seasons of new beginnings. Cloud and fire. Miraculous signs. This is the story of the people of Israel and the early church and, perhaps, even the story of our own spiritual journeys.

Dallas Willard wrote that hearing from God changes over the course of our walk with him. We may hear a lot of direction – loudly and clearly – when we’re new to our journey with God. But as we mature, God gives us less and less guidance. He trusts us to know what to do and to recognize his voice even when he’s not shouting.

Of course, sometimes we don’t hear from the Lord because we’re neck-deep in something he has commanded to us not to do. Sin is broken relationship with God. Sin, as well as maturity, can be reasons why we don’t hear or see the Lord at work.

If you’re in a season when you’re feeling clearly and loudly led by the Lord, celebrate that and enjoy it! If you’re in a season when the Lord seems quieter and less easy to see, check to make sure there’s nothing in your life that would block you hearing from him. If not, laugh and thank him for the compliment, perhaps he trusts you to take the wise next step without a lot of help.

And, wherever you are, remember that the Lord is present even there.

How clearly are you hearing from the Lord right now? If it’s clear, take a moment to celebrate it and maybe even write it down. If it’s distant or far off, ask the Lord to kindly show you if there’s anything you’re doing that might block you from hearing him. If there’s not, take a moment to just be still and know that the Lord is glad with you and receive his shaping presence at work in you to follow his will without loud and clear direction

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Besides, when someone whispers we tend to move closer and listen intently.

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