CLIMBED
Today's reading: Exodus 19-21

"Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God..." Exodus 19:3 NLT

Climbed-having gone upward with gradual or continuous progress; to have increased gradually; to slope upward; to have gone upward or raised oneself especially by having grasped or clutched with the hands.

Moses made the effort, one step at a time, to place himself before God.

Gradually. Specifically. Intentionally. Methodically.

The process was a part of His worship of God. The effort he put forth built within him a desire to get to the Holy One of Israel. The inconvenience of his attempt proved its importance. The determination required, in part, validated his desire to know God better. The sweat and strained muscles were petty annoyances once at His feet.

It's shameful to say, but too many times, we want it easier.

We don't want to have to make the effort. Go through the process. Be inconvenienced. Take the time from our oh-so busy lives. We would prefer to fall into His presence than have to climb up to it.

And when we don't make the time, take the time, give the time, we are short-changed. Severely short-changed.

Climb the mountain today to be in His presence.

Carve out the time required to sit in silence at His feet.

Push other pressing matters aside so that you can spend a few minutes with your Father.

Refuse to let anything steal the time you are wanting to dedicate to Him.

Make the effort.