Exodus 40:36-38 “Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.” After 400 hundred years of slavery and hanging on to God by faith, The Lord provides evidence of His presence. This must have been comforting and reassuring. Does He comfort us similarly? Romans 8:15-18 speaks of how He reassures us with His presence: “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” When we were born again our new spirit is born of God; we are His offspring. It’s designed to cry out to God. Just as a compass points north, so we are inclined to God. In high school, the bell rings and thousands of kids exit a hundred classrooms. However, within minutes they have all gathered to their peer group. Our spirit focuses Godward. This description of our spirits going Godward reminds me of attachment theory. When a baby is born it seeks attachment and nurturing. This is usually done as the baby is with mom. Once a secure attachment is formed, the child wishes to explore. However, there is always the glance back to guarantee that mom is there. Eventually there is the memory of mom and her reassurance. It’s as if mom is cheering on the child inwardly. Our new spirit seeks to connect with God. Romans 8 says that the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. We cling to that as metal flakes adhere to a magnet. How can we practice attachment to The Lord? I can think of several things. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” This isn’t a religious exersize, but more of a conversation. David appeared to have an open line to God. The Psalms are his words to God. Some are joyful, most are filled with him sharing his concerns, fears and pleas for help. Another way to attach to The Lord is to read the bible. Jesus says in John 15:7, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” The bible is God’s message to us. Outside of the circumstancial, we have a moral and character roadmap. We also have plenty of words and principles for the Holy Spirit to bring to our rememberance. We need reassurance. Romans says that His Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are children of God. This is a wonderful confirmation. It reduces anxiety and gives peace. Philipians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” That peace is there in the stormy times. It doesn’t make sense. We should be anxiety ridden. Lord, thank You for Your presence and the wonderful security that it brings. Help us to stay close to You.