moses told the lord that if his presence would not go with the israelites, they didn’t not want the journey. they did not want to pass in front of the presence of god or beyond it. they wanted to be in the midst of his presence because his presence is what brings life. moses was looking towards the promised land, but his eyes were focused on the glory of the lord. the land made no difference to him if the lord’s presence would not be there.

i’m praying into this, praying into this desire to see the promised land of my life and of people around me. it is entirely too easy to become focused on the promises of god rather than on god himself, his ability to redeem rather that his love towards us and out response toward him. no matter the promises, i don’t want them if god’s presence is not there with me.
without his presence, all things exist without meaning.
sanctify my mind god…that i may desire your spirit more than your works, your love more than your promises.
teach me to not walk beyond you, but to stay in the midst of where you are.