In Numbers 6 God gives instruction for any man or woman who wants to make a special vow of dedication to the Lord as a Nazirite. They cannot eat or drink anything made from grapes or use a razor on their head or touch a dead body v. 1-8.

In the notes below it said: The purpose of the Nazirite vow was to raise up a group of leaders devoted completely to God. Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist were probably Nazirites for life.

I keep thinking about the people. The tabernacle is complete and in their midst. They see the work of the priests under Aaron and they are learning how to live as God’s people worshiping not as the nations surrounding them who do not worship the living God. How some of their hearts must have been moved to go deeper; not just a spectator but hearts turned to God.

We can live our lives oblivious to all that God provides. We can be busily at work and play and never think about God. We can take for granted everything. It’s so easy. Every once in awhile, something happens we can’t understand and we realize our need for Him that was there all along. We reach out to Him but we’re not sure if He hears us. We have moments of doubt. And yet…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:15, Deuteronomy 31:6.

I was reading the Scripture reference from Jesus Calling this morning and keep turning back to it as I write this blog, but not only the one verse but several before. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, 15. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20.

The most wonderful gift we will ever receive is God’s Presence. His loving, strong Presence. Our lives are to be lived in awareness of Him. He wants us to live with Him. Can you imagine? Throughout the day in moments small and big, as your gaze touches something or someone you love, give thanks. Ponder what it would be like if that wasn’t there at all. As we give thanks, our hearts are prepared to receive Him because we finally get what this life is all about. This life is about God and our relationship with Him. We don’t need to take a special vow today. We need to actively notice Him and the abundant blessings He surrounds us with. As your heart notices something or someone you love, thank Him. Feel the warmth of His love, His Presence, spreading through your heart. You are never alone. He is here.

And what did the Lord say to the people? The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘”The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”‘ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27.

God will never leave or forsake us; He will always turn His face toward us and we will always have His peace. We just need to notice and give thanks. Thank you Lord!