Head'em up!

                In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels. (Exodus 40:36-38)

          This is what I want: a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night, telling me when to set out and when to stay in camp. I want a sign from Heaven giving clear instructions about what I’m supposed to do. I want a John Wayne figure who regularly tells me, “Head’em up, move’em out!” (Even if John Wayne never did it in the movies.)

          Of course, if I had such clear direction, it probably wouldn’t help. I’d procrastinate getting started on anything because the moment I get started, the cloud would lift, and I’d have to put it all away. Better not to start…. Or, just the time I think I’m finally making some progress, He’ll settle over the tabernacle of my life. Grumble, grumble. I don’t like not being in control, and I especially don’t like it when I think I’m doing something good. It sort of puts God in a Catch-22. I’m not happy if He doesn’t clearly guide me, but I’m also not happy when He does.

          But this was one of the basics that God had to teach the Israelites, and therefore us. We follow Him. When the cloud doesn’t lift, I need to get busy doing the things I can do in camp and resting and trusting. When the cloud does lift, I need to be ready to go. Somewhere in there, I think there’s a balance or a line that I haven’t found.