And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. Exodus 14:19 - 20 KJV

When my 3-year-old tells me he's afraid to walk down our hallway in the dark, I remind him he doesn't have to be afraid. Then, I ask him, "Who is with you?" He always replies, "God is with me." I know he can't fully comprehend that, because I can't fully comprehend that either. Even though he says the words, he still wants mom or dad to hold his hand as he ventures down the dark path before him.

Sound familiar? It does to me. As a believer I know God is always with me. But do I KNOW? Really, truly KNOW? Only if I choose to KNOW. Author Robert J. Morgan writes that this can be done if I will:

- affirm His nearness through His Word,

- access His nearness through prayer, and 

- reflect his presence in my words and deeds. 

The same God who went before the Israelites as a guide and behind them as a shield is the same God who walks with Jonathan and me down our hallway at night. He is that present, He is that real and He loves us that much!

Jesus hold my hand, I need the every hour,

Lori C.

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