The Lord is Your Guide | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for January 2

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give…

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22 ESV

Exodus details Israel’s departure from Egypt, the nation that enslaved them. Their exit was triumphant, but their triumph was due to the Lord’s mighty and glorious work—and his guidance! 

In today’s passage, we see how God leads the Israelites in the days and weeks after their Egyptian captivity. “The Lord went before [Israel] by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” The Lord went before His people, guiding them toward the land He promised to them. He knew the way, and most importantly, He was with the people! “The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” 

Today, though we don’t see a pillar of cloud and fire before us, we have the Holy Spirit living within us—the Helper that Jesus gifted to believers before He ascended into heaven. Jesus says to His disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or leader in another setting, have confidence that the Lord is with you, guiding and directing you. He will never leave nor forsake you! Now walk. Â