SONG: HE’S THE WAYMAKER

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud
to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire
to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Exodus 13:21 NIV

I was listening to a minister on the way to work and he made a most interesting point that I would like to share with you. This verse about the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire has always fascinated me. And I have always equated it to the guidance of the Lord in our lives. Just like he provided such absolute and direct guidance for His chosen people, so He does for His children today, as we abide in and lean on Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own under-standing; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:3-6) We do not have the visible images of His guidance as they did, but we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us to direct our steps as we seek to walk in His ways.

This minister pointed out something that I had never thought of before. The children of Israel were traveling through the desert of Sinai on the way to the Promised Land. During the day, the heat radiating off the desert sand would have been blistering hot and almost unbearable. But at the same time, when the sun dropped below the horizon, so also did the temperature. It became very cold at night. Only a loving Heavenly Father would take this into consideration and find a solution that is both comforting and practically beneficial. He sent the cloud by day to shield them from the heat of the desert sun, as well as to be their own personal GPS system. What an awesome God! But not only so, He sent the pillar of fire at night to guide them, yes… but also to give them warmth in the frigid desert night.

This is the same Heavenly Father that we serve today. Not only does He direct our steps, but He gives us provision and meets our needs in all areas, as we call on Him and trust in Him. He is indeed our Cloud by day and our Fire by night!

Thank you, Heavenly Father,
That you are my Cloud by day and my Fire by night;
Thank you that you are always with me
in every circumstance, leading, guiding,
comforting and blessing me.
You shield me from the heat of life’s trials and temptations,
And You warm me with the presence
of Your blessed Holy Spirit.
You are my Heavenly Father, my All in All.