More than 10 years ago, as far as I can remember, I quietly found myself in a quiet corner of a local library. I eagerly discovered an old Bible, its cover softly worn from years of handling, and I began slowly flipping through its worn pages. Each page held a story, a lesson, or a truth waiting to be discovered. In that moment, the pull of material desires and simple comforts swiftly faded away, replaced by something deeper calling out to me.
For a couple of seconds, I briefly read about Moses and his bold decision to choose God’s Presence over the fleeting lure of the Promised Land.
“And Moses said, If Thy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15 KJV)
That brief encounter stirred my heart deeply, whispering, “You deserve more than earthly treasures.” I had no idea that one choice could truly change everything!
You might feel as if you are caught in a maze of choices, where every path promises comfort yet hides a lack of divine guidance. I, too, have often struggled with that feeling. I eventually took a leap of faith and discovered that having faith in God and experiencing His deliverance offer a reward far greater than any land or fortune.
I learned that the presence of God is the true treasure, and I sincerely want you to join me in exploring this profound truth.
The Promise of Abundant Prosperity
I unexpectedly stumbled across a story that left me speechless. Moses, chosen by the Almighty God, was graciously offered a land flowing with milk and honey. It seemed like the ultimate prize—a place of abundance that could gently heal old wounds and ease old burdens.
But wait—there’s more!
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ 2 And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. (Exodus 33:1-3 NKJV)
Take note of this: God’s message in verses 1-2 sounded very good and alluring because He was ready to give the Israelites what He had promised for a very long time—the Promised Land.
God even mentioned that He would send His warrior angels before the Israelites to battle against the wicked inhabitants of the land so that the Israelites could take possession of it.
BUT… You better the next important message below.
In verse 3 of the same chapter in Exodus 33, God mentioned “I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people“. This means that God was not willing to be with them on their journey to the Promised Land because of their stubbornness.
When God called Moses, He clearly made it known that the material blessing would come, but without His own guiding hand.
BUT HERE IS MOSES’ RESPONSE
“Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15 KJV). This statement hit me like a bolt of lightning.
Moses’ statement in response to God is very encouraging. His words show that he was not interested in the Promised Land or the material blessings that came with it if God’s Presence would not go with them. He was far more interested in God’s Presence than in material blessings.
He didn’t care about the abundance of the Promised Land. He didn’t care about material blessings or possessions. HIS ULTIMATE DESIRE AND GREATEST PRIORITY WERE TO BE IN GOD’S PRESENCE.
In my own life, I’ve gradually come to realize that while success in the world brings temporary joy, true fulfillment springs from the deep connection we share with our Creator.
It feels like the answer was clearly laid out before Moses—choose the eternal presence of God, and all other blessings will naturally find their place. I can’t help but feel this is something special that we too can eagerly embrace.
Moses’s Bold Stand for Divine Presence
I have always firmly believed that every decision holds the power to transform our destiny. Moses made his choice with unwavering resolve.
He knew that God’s Presence was not just a comfort but a guiding light that outshines any temporary reward.
I clearly remember feeling a surge of courage as I read his words. “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15 KJV) echoes steadily through the ages.
I want you to feel the passion that Moses had. Imagine standing on the brink of a promise so great, yet knowing that the promise without divine guidance is empty. I took a quiet moment to reflect on this truth.
In my darkest hours, I have often found solace in verses like Psalm 23:4 KJV, which reminds me, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” It feels as if Moses’s decision gently teaches us that the real path to joy and peace is found when we trust in God’s deliverance.
I can honestly say that choosing God’s Presence changed my outlook on life completely. I once measured success by external factors—wealth, status, and possessions. But I learned that without the guiding light of God, those gains are hollow.
Here’s the bottom line I often say: having faith in God means embracing His guidance above all else.
I remember the moment when I finally understood that true strength comes from aligning my life with His will. It allowed me to see that real victory lies not in the abundance of riches but in the intimacy of divine communion.
An Eternal View Beyond Earthly Gains
I took some time to ponder Moses’s journey carefully. His choice defied what many believed was common sense. Instead of choosing the Promised Land, Moses held fast to the idea that true deliverance comes from walking with God.
It allowed him to lead his people safely, even if the road was rugged and uncertain. I never imagined that such a decision could be the ultimate act of love and trust. “I would like you to understand that an eternal perspective is key,” I say sincerely.
This is something special to remember. When you face decisions in life, it is natural to be tempted by immediate rewards. I clearly recall a time when I was torn between quick gains and long-term fulfillment. I chose to trust in God’s guidance, and I soon found comfort in the promise that He would be with me always.
It feels like each step I took, though difficult, was blessed with divine assurance. Moses’s decision, steeped in faith, gently reminds us to seek that divine presence.
As the prophet Isaiah once encountered the overwhelming glory of God in his vision at the temple (Isaiah 6:1-8 KJV), I realized that nothing in this world compares to the peace that comes from being close to the Almighty.
I can’t help but notice that every Bible story I read points to one clear truth: the presence of God is more valuable than any earthly treasure.
When the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God’s Presence was clearly evident as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22 KJV).
That image stayed with me. It gently reminds me that no matter how uncertain the path may seem, God’s deliverance is always near when you trust in Him. I truly believe that by embracing God’s Presence, you secure a foundation that outlasts the shifting sands of temporary prosperity.
I have grown so much because of this realization. In the heat of challenges and moments of doubt, I often say, “Mark my words, nothing compares to the joy of walking with God.”
I learned that while the Promised Land represents earthly success, its benefits are incomplete without the transformative power of divine intimacy.
I was honestly blown away by the clarity of Moses’s conviction. It is a lesson that resonates even today, urging us to choose what is eternal over what is fleeting.
The scriptures give us countless stories of deliverance, each echoing the importance of divine companionship. When David sought refuge in the presence of God, even in the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4 KJV), he found strength that surpassed his fears remarkably.
I have always admired the way these stories interweave to form a tapestry of faith and divine assurance. It reminds me that every time you choose God’s Presence, you are not alone; you are guided by a power that transcends understanding.
As you reflect on your own journey, consider the choices that have defined your path carefully. I encourage you to take a closer look at your priorities.
Sometimes, the most attractive rewards can lead us astray if they are not anchored in the love and guidance of God.
I have come across moments in life when the easiest choice was not the best choice. And I can honestly say that choosing the presence of God has been the most transformative decision I have ever made.
In this life, every decision matters. You have the opportunity to experience a joy that is not measured by what you possess, but by the quality of your relationship with the Divine. I urge you to embrace that truth wholeheartedly. I truly believe that, just like Moses, your legacy can be shaped by choosing the everlasting promise of God’s Presence over temporary gains.
Here’s the bottom line: the journey to true fulfillment is not paved with riches and ease. It is a path lit by divine guidance—a beacon of hope that shines even in the darkest moments.
I would like you to know that when you choose God’s Presence, you open your life to a love that is unending and a peace that surpasses all understanding. I took this message to heart, and it changed everything for me.
As we close this discussion, I invite you to join me in a moment of reflection. Think about the choices that have defined your journey. Reflect on the times when you felt the powerful comfort of knowing that God’s Presence was with you.
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read these thoughts, and I encourage you to leave a comment, and share your experiences. Mark my words—embracing the presence of God is the ultimate prize that transforms lives.
