Yesterday I read something about Moses that really challenged me. It took place in Exodus 33 and I’ve read it a hundred times before. But this time, I saw something differently!

God spoke to Moses and told him to go to the promised land. He promised Moses that he would give him the land, drive out all his enemies, and that the land would flow with milk and honey.

I’m other words, he offered him many blessings and promised to take care of everything.

However, God told Moses that even through he would give him all those good things, he would NOT be traveling with them because of their sin.

Moses thought about that statement from God and his response is so faith-filled:

Exodus 33:15-16:
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me-on me and on your people-if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

Moses turned down the blessings from God and asked for his presence instead! He just wanted to be with God…that’s what he desired most.

This challenges me so much! How often to do I come to God wanting his blessings? How often do I ask him to give me all of his goodness?

And how often do I simply request God’s presence?

Just Him.

“If your presence doesn’t go with me, don’t make me leave this place.”

Moses wanted God to be with him more than he wanted anything God could give him or do for him. That’s a beautiful example of what total devotion to the Lord our God looks like.

I want my faith to look like that. I want to desire God’s presence more than anything else. There is nothing like spending time with the one and only King- nothing compares!

Psalm 16:11
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Friends, let’s spend a little time in the presence of God today… not to ask him for anything, but to simply be with him. Maybe that’s praising and thanking him through song, and maybe it’s sitting and thanking him for all he’s done. There is no better place to be.
Let’s run the race together.
Mint