Shut In With God

“As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:9‬ ‭NIVUK‬

Who’s really in charge of how long you spend with God—you, or God Himself?

When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting, something remarkable happened. The pillar of cloud—the very presence of God—would come down and cover the entrance. Once that happened, Moses couldn’t leave until God was finished speaking. In other words, Moses didn’t control the length of that encounter—God did! He was shut in with God.

This verse inspired the old revival hymn:
“Shut in with God in the secret place,
There by His Spirit beholding His face,
Gaining more power to run in the race,
I long to be shut in with God.”

What a powerful image! God Himself drawing near, closing the entrance, and saying, “Stay awhile, I’m not done yet.”

But how different that is from our modern lives. Our calendars are bursting. Our phones never stop buzzing. We grab five minutes with God here, ten minutes there—and then wonder why our souls still feel empty. We long for a depth our diaries cannot deliver. We ask for miracles but don’t tend the faith that births them. We cry for revival but won’t slow our pace long enough to receive it. Deluded by the noise and demands of modern life, we end up distracted from what our hearts truly crave—His presence.

Have you built a life that makes room for a Tent of Meeting—somewhere away from noise, screens, and striving? Can you trim the sails of your career, or even your ministry, to give space to what your spirit truly longs for? Walking with God requires a walking pace. Not a sprint. Not a scramble. But a steady, rhythmic, heart-to-heart journey.

Yes, God understands the busy seasons. He knows when life feels relentless. But even then, His whisper cuts through the noise: “Come away with Me.” And when you do—when you make space for a divine interruption—you’ll find yourself “shut in” again, not by guilt or duty, but by love.

There’s a special reward for those who carve out such sacred spaces—whether it’s a sabbatical, a quiet evening, a weekend retreat, or just a daily walk alone with Him. The pillar still descends. The cloud still covers the entrance. And in that holy hush, heaven speaks.

I don’t know about you, but I long to be shut in with God—until He says, “You can go now, My friend.”

I was made to dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). I choose to step away from distractions, silence the noise of the world, and rest in God’s presence. In the stillness, I will hear His voice, gentle yet powerful, guiding and comforting me (1 Kings 19:12). In His presence, I pour out my heart, listen for His wisdom, and delight in His nearness (John 15:15). Today, I choose intimacy over hurry, rest over striving, and God’s presence over distraction.

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