Encountering God at the Mountain of the Lord

Many believers find themselves navigating through difficult times, feeling lost or stuck in a spiritual wilderness. Yet, the story of Moses at the mountain of God offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the wilderness is a necessary path to a sacred encounter with God. This journey from hardship to holiness reveals how God draws us near in unexpected ways and calls us to respond with humility and worship.

Moses' encounter at the mountain of God, where the burning bush appeared

The Wilderness as a Pathway

Moses was tending his father-in-law Jethro’s flock when he led them to Horeb, the mountain of God. This was no ordinary place; it was a sacred ground where God chose to reveal Himself. Before this moment, Moses had been in the wilderness, a place of isolation and testing. Many Christians today can relate to this wilderness experience—times when life feels uncertain, lonely, or challenging.

Navigating through difficult times often feels like wandering without direction. Yet, Moses’ story shows that the wilderness is not the end but a passage. It prepares us for a divine encounter. The wilderness strips away distractions and self-reliance, making us ready to recognize God’s presence when He appears.

God’s Unusual Manifestation

God appeared to Moses in a flame of fire within a bush that was burning but not consumed. This miraculous sight captured Moses’ attention and sparked his curiosity. God knows how to get our attention, often in ways that surprise us.

Jeremiah 23:29 compares God’s word to fire and a hammer, powerful tools that break through hardness and resistance. When God wants to speak, He uses what will ignite our hearts and minds. For Moses, it was the burning bush; for us, it might be a sudden insight, a scripture verse, or a life event that shakes us.

This moment teaches us that God’s presence is not always dramatic or loud but often subtle and mysterious. We must be alert and willing to turn aside to see what God is doing, even in the midst of our struggles.

The Call to Draw Near with Reverence

When Moses approached the bush, God called him by name and told him to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. This command was more than a practical instruction; it was a call to worship and humility.

Taking off shoes symbolized respect and surrender. It showed Moses’ readiness to leave behind his old ways and enter into a sacred relationship with God. This act of obedience was the first step in a journey that would change his life and the destiny of a nation.

For those navigating through difficult times, this is a vital lesson. Drawing near to God requires humility and a willingness to change. We cannot approach God with pride or resistance and expect to experience His fullness. Like Moses, we must be willing to remove the barriers that keep us from holy ground.

Sandals removed at the foot of a mountain symbolizing humility and reverence

Practical Steps for Encountering God in Your Wilderness

1. Recognize the wilderness as part of your journey. Understand that difficult seasons can prepare you for a deeper encounter with God.

2. Be alert to God’s ways of getting your attention. Look for signs, scriptures, or moments that spark your curiosity and draw you closer.

3. Respond with humility. Like Moses removing his shoes, take practical steps to humble yourself before God. This might mean prayer, repentance, or surrendering control.

4. Stay open to God’s voice. When God calls, answer with readiness and faith, even if His ways seem unusual or unexpected.

5. Trust that God’s presence transforms. The mountain of the Lord is a place of holiness where God reveals His power and purpose.

   
   

Embracing the Journey from Wilderness to Holiness

The story of Moses at Horeb reminds us that God meets us where we are, even in the wilderness. He invites us to step closer, to listen, and to worship Him with reverence. Navigating through difficult times is not a sign of failure but a pathway to a sacred encounter that can change everything.

As you face your own wilderness, remember that God’s presence is near. He knows what will capture your heart and draw you to Himself. When you respond with humility and faith, you will find yourself standing on holy ground, ready to receive His call and walk in His purpose.