The people have been away from Egypt for some time. They had been freed from slavery, but wandering around in the desert was probably not their idea of freedom. They were not exactly happy and voiced their displeasure.

It was certainly not easy for Moses to lead such a difficult group, and he went up the mountain to ask God for advice on how to deal with these disagreeable people. He knew he wouldn’t be able to do it on his own.

There on top of the mountain, Moses and the Israelites got much more than they expected. God came to make a covenant with them. He showed His strength. He showed His omnipotence. He showed His holiness. He brought them a covenant, a sacred agreement that He would be their God and would walk faithfully alongside them.

Today, God also confirms this for each of us. He wants to walk with us, day and night. Indeed, He walks step by step with us through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We sometimes forget this, but God is so much closer to us than we realise.

Yet we must know that God is not our friend. He remains the almighty Father, the Holy Creator of the universe. He will not tolerate us building golden calves in our lives as the Israelites did. He is a jealous God and does not want to compete with any other god in our lives.

Moses knew where his strength came from. God called him when they met at the burning bush and promised him that He would be with him all the way. Therefore, when it became too much, Moses knew where he would find help and guidance and so he went up the mountain to meet God.

God not only want to walk with us; He also wants to help us with our decision-making and our thinking. He wants to give us answers to our questions. He cares. He is involved. It’s our choice whether we’re going to allow Him into our lives.

Moses shows that true guidance and strength come when you go to God and consult Him first, especially when life and people get difficult. Yet we must never forget the holiness of God. We can, may and must come to God – in absolute wonder and awe of Him.

Prayer
Father, Almighty Creator God, You are holy and I am so privileged to come to You for advice and assistance …

Questions
When was the last time I deliberately made time to just “show up” to God?
Do I come to God with reverence and awe, or do I treat Him too casually?
Do I go to God first for guidance, or do I try to get by on my own first?

Do this now
Make time today to just be quiet and “show up” to God, without asking for anything.
Remember you are in God’s presence. Speak to Him in a reverent and respectful manner.
Take one thing to God and give Him a chance to give you direction.