Camping with the Lord

I am always intrigued by biblical references that talk about being in the presence of the Lord—and wanting to stay there. Ps 23:6b leaps to mind. Not only did David want to dwell in the house of the Lord but he wanted to dwell there “forever.” The imagery of the sheep dwelling with the shepherd who leads them to green grass and an abundance of water, let alone of the king’s banquet hall where his well-fed guests dwell are metaphors that are summed up in verse six. Essentially: I’m picthin’ my tent here! I don’t ever want to leave! In Ps 27:4, he says that he wants to dwell in the house of the Lord for his entire life. Why? So he can look at the gold and silver inlay and the columns and otherwise beautiful architecture? No. He doesn’t want to gaze upon the beauty of the temple. He wants to meditate upon his beautiful God. The temple just happens to be where God chose to dwell in the midst of his people. The Psalmist says in Ps 65:4 that he will be content to dwell in that place where God dwells. What better place could there be to live? Anna (Lk 2:37) was a prophetess who stayed in the temple, worshiping day and night. As a result, she saw Jesus when he was brought by Joseph and Mary for dedication. One experiences God when she stays close to him. As much as I love all of these verses, none speaks to me like Exodus 33:7-11. This is the story of Moses’ tent of meeting where he and his assistant, Joshua, would go to hear the Lord. After awhile Moses would go back to the camp of the Hebrews. As an aside, the text says (Ex 33:11) that Joshua didn’t leave the tent. He wanted to stay in the presence of the Lord even after Moses had left it. I love that story. My wife and I love living in a very nice parsonage that the church built back in 2002. But if she lived in a small, mill house, that is where I would live. If she lived in a rundown apartment or shack, that would be where I would choose to live. If she was homeless and lived under a bridge or in a cardboard box, that is where I would camp too. Why? Because I want to be with her. It really is just that simple. Where may I be with with God? Where has he chosen to interact with his people? I should take pains to be in that place where he chooses to dwell or to engage with his people. Prayer? The Scripture? Worship? Bible class? Seminary? Devotions? The Lord’s Supper? Sure; all of those opportunities and more. I want to be there for each and every one of those encounters. You say, Well, you’re just a fanatic. Is that what you would say if I said that I wanted to be with my wife all the time? Certainly not. You would say I am in love.