“If Your presence does not go with us…” (Exodus 33:15)

Don’t you hate the separation that occurs when you’ve done something that upsets a close family member? The family is still intact, physically, but emotional distance shrouds everything. It’s hard to enjoy any of the trappings of family - meals together, financial provision, movie night - when one person is distant. Yes, provisions for the family may all be there - housing, meals on the table, financial resources - but it’s the presence of everyone that gives us what we most need.

A few months after leading his people out of bondage in Egypt, Moses leaves the Israelites to hear from God. He’s been gone for weeks, the people are restless, Aaron crafts the golden calf, and worship of it creates distance between the nation and a rightly angered God. While God still honors His promise to protect the Israelites as they move toward settling the Promised Land, He declares He “will not go with [them] because [they] are a stiff-necked people” in danger of judgment (33:1-3). Distressed, “the people began to mourn” (33:4). What good are God’s gifts without the Giver? 

In both cases - your family, the Israelite family - intercession is an essential first step toward wholeness. Peace and joy return with the presence of the one offended. God promises Moses He will be with him, but Moses pleads for the whole family: “Lord, if Your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here [to the Promised Land] ... this nation is Your people...how will anyone know You are pleased unless You go with us?” (33:15-16, italics added). 

Do you feel a distance between you and God? Do you want to pray for restoration but feel your sin keeps God away? Follow Moses’ example: he openly approaches God (33:12-16), allowing room for Him to respond. And God does respond when He hears Moses’ earnestness. You can approach God similarly. He is your friend, so just talk, express confusion, be open, ask questions (Moses asked plenty!). Moses also reminds God of His promises. You may not know a multitude of Biblical promises, but here’s a key one: God “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). If you feel distant from God, remind Him of this: He hasn’t forgotten you.  Ask Him to be with you, to let you feel His presence. That sincere prayer makes room for God to do just that.

My mother’s favorite hymn was “In the Garden” with its beautiful picture of closeness to God: