His presence changes everything
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. ~ Exodus 33:15
Have you ever had a moment where you knew you were about to step into something new, yet you felt unsure if God was really in it? Maybe it was a new job, a relationship, or a major life decision. You wanted to move forward, but deep down you knew that without God’s presence, even the best opportunity would fall flat.
That’s exactly where Moses was in Exodus 33. God had promised to give the Israelites the land He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but after their rebellion with the golden calf, He said He would send an angel to lead them instead of going Himself. For Moses, that wasn’t enough. He didn’t want the promise without the Presence. He knew that what made Israel different from every other nation was not their land, their numbers, or their resources, it was God’s presence dwelling with them.
Recently I was given an opportunity that looked perfect for me on the outside. It lined up with my goals and seemed like the natural next step. But when I prayed, I couldn’t sense God’s peace about it. I wanted to move forward, but I realized I would rather stay where I was with God’s presence than move ahead without it. When I waited for His timing, God opened another door that not only fit my calling but filled me with peace and joy I couldn’t have created on my own.
Many times, it’s tempting to chase promotion, position, or even ministry goals, thinking that success is a sign of God’s blessing. But Moses teaches us that the true measure of success is not how far we go, it’s who goes with us. The Presence of God brings guidance, wisdom, and favor that nothing else can substitute.
Here are some steps you can follow to make sure you stay in His presence:
- Before making major decisions, spend time praying and asking God, “Is Your presence in this?” Wait until you have His peace before moving forward.
- Create space each day to experience His presence through prayer, worship, and reading His Word. His presence brings clarity, comfort and peace.
- When you feel uncertain, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of times when He guided you before. Remembering His faithfulness strengthens your confidence to trust Him again.
- Surround yourself with people who prioritize God’s presence. Being with others who hunger for Him helps you stay focused on what truly matters.
Today I want to encourage you to make God’s presence your greatest pursuit. Don’t rush ahead into something that looks promising if His peace isn’t leading you there. His presence will protect you, guide you, and empower you in ways nothing else can. When you stay close to Him, every step you take will carry His favor, and His presence will set you apart wherever you go.
Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 33
1 The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’
2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
3 Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.”
4 When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes.
5 For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.”
6 So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.
7 It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.
8 Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside.
9 As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses.
10 When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents.
11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.
Moses Sees the Lord’s Glory
12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’
13 If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”
14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.
16 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.”
17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
18 Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”
19 The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.
20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock.
22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”
Journal:
- Is there an area in my life where I’ve been moving forward without waiting on God’s presence?
- How can I create more space in my day to spend time with Him?
- What does it look like for me to be led by peace instead of pressure?
- How have I experienced the difference when I waited for God’s timing versus rushing ahead?
The Daily Dose 