Rather than slowing down, the demands seem to be increasing. At times I look ahead at all I have to do and fear rises up telling me there’s no way I’ll have the strength to do what’s being asked of me. But more and more I also hear the Holy Spirit, just as the panic starts to accelerate, telling me, “Don’t look at all that’s ahead. Just take matters one at a time and turn to Me for help before you start each one.” When I obey this principle I am repeatedly amazed to find I have the strength I need to take the next step. Sometimes that strength arrives only minutes before I need it, but remarkably it does arrive. I think I’m learning what Paul meant when he said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Php 4:13), and also why the Lord Jesus said, “…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt 6:34). Basically God wants me to know He’s always there because He literally dwells within me. He isn’t a distant God, but His help and guidance are always near at hand.

No sooner had God made a covenant with Israel than He ordered Moses to “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them” (Ex 25:8). This was a portable tent which could be set up wherever the nation camped so God could dwell in the midst of His people. The construction of this tabernacle was the beginning of a great theme running through the Bible: The Lord wants to dwell in the midst of His people wherever they go. The more we learn about this truth, the more it will change our lives.