How can we create a "meeting place" with God in our daily lives? The Original Pattern—Exodus 33:7 “Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, at a distance from the camp, and he called it the Tent of Meeting. So anyone who sought the LORD would go out to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.” Why God Invited Moses Outside the Camp • Separation from distractions—away from the noise of camp life • Intentionality—Moses “used to” do it; it was a settled habit • Accessibility—“anyone who sought the LORD” could come • Expectation of encounter—God’s glory descended and spoke “face to face” (v. 11) Translating the Tent of Meeting into Daily Life • Choose a physical spot—chair, corner, porch, car seat before work • Set a consistent time—morning like Jesus (Mark 1:35), or another undisturbed block • Clear the clutter—silence phone, close laptop, reduce visual noise • Bring only essentials—Bible, journal, maybe a worship playlist Engage God’s Presence • Start with Scripture—“Man shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4) • Respond in prayer—praise first (Psalm 100:4), then petition, then listening silence • Confess and receive cleansing—1 John 1:9; approach with a clean conscience (Hebrews 10:22) • Invite the Spirit’s guidance—John 14:26 promises His teaching Guard the Meeting Place • Treat the slot as non-negotiable—appointment with the King • Inform family or roommates—lovingly set boundaries • Resist legalism—if interrupted, return without guilt; God delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17) Scriptures That Keep the Tent Open • James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” • John 15:4 “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” • Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” Living Out of the Meeting Place • Carry the awareness—pray short prayers throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Let decisions flow from the morning encounter—seek His counsel first (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Share overflow with others—comfort with the comfort you receive (2 Corinthians 1:4) • Anticipate tomorrow’s meeting—hunger grows with consistency (Psalm 42:1-2) The Tent of Meeting no longer stands outside Israel’s camp; through Christ, the true and living tent (Hebrews 9:11), God has pitched His presence within us. Yet the principle endures: intentional, set-apart space fosters daily, vibrant communion with Him. |
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