There’s a measure of security and significance in the
fact that someone that matters knows you by name. As a part of this huge cosmos, it’s easy to
sometimes just feel lost, like no one really knows you and if they do, do they
really care about the things you care about?
What about when you mess up? What
then? It’s comforting to have that
person that really knows you look at you with love and acceptance and forgiveness,
not disappointment and disgust.
Moses had this meaningful and transparent relationship
with God. They shared. They talked.
They vented. And it was
okay. That’s the kind of relationship to
have, one of mutual understanding and commitment, acceptance and
belonging. They didn’t always agree, but
they were on the same page. And that was
what mattered. When Moses needed to be
reassured of where he stood in the relationship…and we all do from time to
time…God let him know He was still there and His grace was at work in his
life.
Now
therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way
that I may know
You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And He said, My Presence
will go
with you, and I will
give you rest. Then he [Moses] said to
Him, If Your Presence
does not go with us, do not bring
us up from here.
I am so amazed and encouraged that my God knows me by
name. He knows me, and still wants to be
with me. In fact, He says that the fact
that His very presence is mine to enjoy is how I can know I have found grace in
His sight (in other words, He loves me in spite of myself!). His Presence and Grace then provide the
purpose and direction I need in my life when I feel like I’m losing my
way.
It also gives me an example to follow in my
relationships with others. Sometimes the
people that are supposed to know you love them and that you are there for them
just need to hear it. They need to be
reassured. Sometimes it’s just your
presence they need, even if it’s across the miles…prayer can take you there,
and a quick text , message or note when you can’t be there to hug or hold can
mean so much. Your spouse needs to hear
it too, that you are there for them, loving them, supporting them, listening to
them. And as God extends His grace to
us, following His example, extend it to others.
That means your care and concern may not be deserved or appreciated, but
that’s not the point. Grace is about the
other person.
O dear God, thank you for a
beyond-first-name-basis-relationship!
You know me, better than I know myself, and You still love me and desire
to be my ever present companion. Thank
you for reaffirming our relationship with your grace and your presence, and for
showing me Your way. It’s always
best.
Like Moses, if You don’t go with me, I don’t want to
go...to whatever or wherever that may be.
Amen. 
