Exodus 13:21: “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.”
The pillar of fire was the supernatural light at night and pillar of cloud was the supernatural air-conditioner that covered the ½ million people from the scorching heat of the desert during the day. After living under the pillar of fire and cloud the people probably stop looking at it with awe. It was like the sun, moon and the sky that we live under day after day. We seldom notice the sun or appreciate the benefits of the sunlight nor do we look up to the moonlit sky with gratitude and wonder.
The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were the presence of the Lord that preserved and protected the multitude of Hebrew slaves in the desert. However, familiarity breeds content. Unaware of God’s presence in their midst, they grumbled for their daily provisions, food, water and silly carnal needs. It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud (Exodus 16:10).
God’s presence is always with us. His unfailing promise is that He will be with us until our last breath on earth. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). But, many times we fail to remember that He is listening to our grumblings and our grouchy thoughts. We are oblivious to the Sovereign eyes watching our inappropriate actions. His awesome presence is the invisible pillar of cloud and fire around us.
Be conscious of God’s presence:
1. Protection: Be conscious of God’s protection as a pillar of cloud that stands between you and the enemy. The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night (Exodus 14:19-20).
2. Presence: Be conscious of His tangible presence as an invisible pillar. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34).
3. Peace: God’s stops and starts are confirmed by the peace in our heart. Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up (Exodus 40:36-37). Refuse to move forward without the peace in your heart.
God’s presence is our invisible pillar of protection and our invincible peace within us.
Psalm 62:2 Truly He is my rock and my salvation.
Prayer: Father God, help me to be more aware of the invisible pillar of fire and cloud more than the presence of people or problems. Amen.
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