When the mother grouse senses danger, she gives the signal and her flock of chicks immediately freezes. They blend into their surroundings and are safe as long as they obey instantly and remain motionless. When danger passes, she clucks and they resume their normal activity. They stop at the command; they move at the command.


That was a lot like Israel’s experience with the cloud in the wilderness. When the cloud moved, they moved; when the cloud stopped, they stopped. I wish it were that easy today to know what God would have us do!


Actually, while we don’t have that visible cloud, we do have the Holy Spirit. We just need to be more sensitive to His leading. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). The Lord Jesus, in the person of the Holy Spirit, is living within us, directing every step of our way. He is fulfilling for us God’s promise, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; …and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).