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

God's care for his people is on purpose and abundant. He even directs them by symbols of his presence, the pillars of cloud or fire. Israel has a clear path to follow, and there is no denying where God wants them to go. Of course this doesn't keep them from grumbling and wanting to go back, but he goes before them.

Fast forward to your life. You have put faith in Jesus for salvation, and now you wonder if God could come and give you a few signs along the way. “Why don't you give me a pillar of fire to light my way?!” we cry out. How much easier life would be if we had this type of direction!

But actually, we do. God's Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105), and our Savior is our pillar. The author of Hebrews tells us to run our race looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Jesus is the one we stare at for direction and provision.

This doesn't necessarily mean you will always have an answer to the mundane “left or right?” questions in daily life, but you will have purpose and a place to look.

Today as you contemplate the direction of your life and where you will find hope, look to Jesus. See his finished work for you, and open his Word to see what he declares about you and your life.

This is an excerpt from Depths a daily devotional written by Jonathan Shradar.