Over All

Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a  canopy.                    Isaiah 4.5

I believe Isaiah is talking about the “day of the Lord” which is taken in the New Testament to be the glorious second coming of Christ. Yet the words bring striking reminder of the exodus from Egypt and the presence of the Lord with His people throughout their desert wanderings.

In all their time in the wilderness, God was truly with His people. The glory of His presence was made tangible to them by the cloud of smoke and the pillar of fire.

We may not see smoke and fire representative of God’s presence with us today, but He is there – for all who will seek Him out. I don’t believe we have to wait until the “day of the Lord” to know that He is with us. Certainly, on that day, things will be clearer for us than at any time before. But, right now, my God is as close and as real as I allow Him to be.

Lord God,

I don’t see a cloud of smoke or a pillar of fire, yet I know You are here with me. I feel Your presence and I rejoice.

I thank You for the truth of Your words that You will never leave me. I give You free rein of my home, my life, my being. Have Your way in me. Oh, that I might be pleasing to You in who I am and what I do. Forgive me when I falter and stray. Forgive me, and please lead me straight back to You.

Holy Father, I delight in Your presence. May I know You more and more? May I grow deeper into relationship with You such that there is never a time when I am not fully aware that I am with You.

Dare I ask – O yes, Lord, I dare to ask that I might “see” the cloud of smoke and the pillar of fire. I know I cannot see You face to face in this life, but I humbly ask You to reveal more of Yourself.

I give this prayer, and myself, to You in Jesus’ Name.                                                       Amen.