"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people" ~Ex 13:21-22~
I just had one thought on my mind this morning as I prepared to do devotion: Columns. Yep, doesn't sound very spiritual, does it? But then again, maybe it does.
Columns are a support system, designed for strength, to hold up something. Without them, the structure caves under pressure. If the columns become damaged in a storm, like mine did this spring when a tree fell on my house, they must be replaced to ensure the integrity & safety of the dwelling. Or, if columns are exposed to the elements-wind, rain, heat, cold-without being properly sealed & maintained, they will decay from the inside out.
God is like a column to us. He is our complete support system. He is our strength. He holds us up when we couldn't get out of bed alone. Without Him, our spirit caves under the pressures of life. If our dwelling becomes damaged in the storms of life, we can depend on His presence in the form of new columns, new reinforcements He lines up to ensure our safety. When we are exposed to the elements-sin, persecution, sorrow, heartbreak, financial need, divorce, sickness, death-He seals us with His love and His salvation. He maintains us by His hope and His promises if we will turn to Him. Without Him, we would decay from the inside out.
When I think of a cloud, I think fluffy pillow. But when I think of pillar, I think of column, mighty tower. That's what led the children of Israel-A mighty tower, a support system, unwavering strength, sealed protection. He went before them. He never took His provision away.
He does the same for us every day. Those columns we see in the daytime, standing strong, are still there in the night, when you face the darkest of times.
