Keeping the Charge of the Lord/ Waiting on Him

"Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord..." Numbers 9:22-23

These verses really spoke to me on keeping the charge of the Lord and waiting. Numbers 9:15-23 speaks about how the Israelites decided when they would go on with their journey through the wilderness, when and where they would set up their camps, as well as the duration they would remain in a place. When you read through the verses you get the clear picture that the Lord was the one in charge and it could not be otherwise. Following these verses, I would like to speak about dormant situations and waiting on the Lord. Ever been in a situation, where things seem like they are not changing or when you urgently need to decide which step to take, but the Lord says wait. However, you know that it is really not up to you to decide where to go or when to move. 

Scripture says that the Israelites remained encamped for as long as they needed to, as long as the cloud or fire covered the tabernacle; that is, as long as the Lord had decided so. (The cloud would cover it by day, while fire covered it by night). It also mentions that it could be a period as short as few days, but it could also be a year. I can imagine the restlessness; especially so, because we are talking about the Israelites in the wilderness. (They actually complained a lot on just about anything). Here they had set out from the bondage in Egypt to a promised land, flowing with milk and honey. There must have been expectations. They probably did not think they would spend this long in the wilderness, especially remaining encamped for so long, rather than take journey.

It was necessary to wait on God. The same God who rescued them, whom they began with from Egypt and provided for their daily needs, would be the one that they ended their journey with. He would get them to their destination at the right time, at His own appointed time. Scripture also says that when the cloud or fire went up, whether it was day or night, then they would move. This speaks to me about the importance of being ready for the Lord's call or command. That we should always be alert, because He could call us at anytime and He expects us to move without no matter how it may look ahead. 

The Israelites knew that whatever place or situation they were in the wilderness was not permanent. No matter how good it could seem or no matter how tired they were of moving from one place to another, this was not their final destination. This is why they also used camps and could not build houses or make permanent residence. Whatever situation we are in, let us remember that it is not permanent; let us keep charge of the Lord and even as we wait for His command it is important to be ready and keep our focus on Him. He is the One in charge and whatever lays ahead, He will take care of it.

For your music "I Am" by Mark Schultz