Saturday, September 13, 2008

Living in the Clouds, by Rachel Smith

Some days I feel like a cloud has settled over me. Actually, in hindsight, some YEARS I feel like I was living in a cloud. Just kinda going through the motions of life and doing life but not actually living life. In tragedy or great stress our bodies begin to shut down as a coping mechanism. We often go through the routine of life without much thought or feeling as to why.

I spent most of last year in this cloud due to so many losses and tragedies in our family. It's only now that the clouds have cleared out of my head and I feel normal that I realize what a dazed state I was in. It sounds sad, I'm sure, to think I was in such a haze for so long

But I rejoice because I know this cloud was God's protection around me. He kept me safely close to home to give me time to heal and now that the cloud has lifted, it's time for me to obey and pick up my tent and follow. Perhaps you too are in God's protective cloud.

Take comfort in your rest, but be watchful for when He tells you to set out. Obedience is our expression of love to God. Obedience is a way to thank God for His protection and guidance.

Numbers 9:17-23 (New International Version)
Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

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