Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34)
One of the remarkable features of the Old Testament tabernacle was the presence of the Lord’s glory, which was displayed in the form of a cloud by day and a pillar by night. The Israelites knew that God was with them because they could see a physical manifestation of His presence. They built God a house, and moved right in to show them a visible presence of an invisible God.
Now that we’re in the New Testament days, we don’t have the privilege of seeing the Lord’s physical manifestation in a cloud by day or a pillar of fire by night, but we have something even greater: the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught us that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to guide us in truth (John 16:13). We no longer need the tabernacle to meet with God or to know His presence because we are the new tabernacle. Those who place their faith in Christ’s death on the cross as payment for their sins receive the benefit of the presence of the Spirit in their lives.
The question is: what kind of environment are you creating for the Spirit?
Are you offering Him a mind that is filled with things of the world or things that are pleasing to Him? Where do you find your pleasure? Do you make time for Him and give Him the attention He deserves? What about your investments? Are you investing in His kingdom or yours? What areas do you keep away from Him? What do you need to do to surrender all things to the Lord? When you do surrender all things, you will create a dwelling place for the Spirit where you will be richly blessed.
Father, help me to create an environment in my heart where You desire to dwell. Let me be willing to release all things to Your loving care – trusting that You know what is best and that You will guide me in Your truth. Give me wisdom to see the areas of my life that I’m holding back from You, and then give me courage to offer them into Your loving care.
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