PLACE
Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. ... As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Exodus 33:7, 9 (NIV)
When making plans to meet someone face-to-face, one essential decision must be made. Where will you meet? Whether deciding on a restaurant, picking a park or extending an invitation to your home, establishing a place is foundational for any meeting.
This holds true in our relationship with God. In Exodus 33, we see Moses demonstrate the essential practice of selecting a place to meet with God. Verses 7-9 tell us that Moses would pitch his Tent of Meeting some distance outside the Israelites' camp. Notice the intentionality in this act. Moses chose to create a place away from distractions where he could inquire of and hear from the LORD alone. This practice fueled his intimacy with God.
What about you? Have you established a place to meet with God? It doesn’t have to be fancy. After all, Moses used a tent. God has a way of making ordinary things extraordinary when His presence shows up.
It could be a place in your home, such as a study, a porch, a closet or even a favorite chair, early in the morning before the rest of your house wakes up. For some people, their car provides the space to break away from everything and meet with God as they drive. Other folks find deep communion with God while being outside on a walk or a jog.
The place itself can be as varied as your personality and circumstances. The key here is the intentional act of pulling yourself away from the hustle and distractions of life and creating space to connect with God. That’s not to say that God can’t speak to you at any point throughout the day. He certainly can and does because His Spirit is always with you, but carving out purposeful time to meet with God one-on-one will take the intimacy and closeness of your relationship with God to a deeper level.
APPLICATION: Establish your meeting place with God and set aside 10-15 minutes to spend time with Him there today.
PRAYER: God, I acknowledge Your presence in this place. I come here today with a great desire to connect with You. Speak what You want me to know today. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?