Have you ever felt like you were watching God move—but from a distance?
Maybe in worship, in your quiet time, or just in life, you sense His presence… but not personally. You’re not resistant or uninterested—but still, somehow, on the sidelines.
If that hits home, I want to walk you into one of the most powerful passages in Scripture: Exodus 33—the story of the Tent of Meeting.
It’s not just a history lesson. It’s an invitation. One that still stands today.
The Tent Was Outside the Camp
Exodus 33 tells us Moses would pitch a tent outside the camp. It was called the Tent of Meeting—a place to encounter God.
It wasn’t convenient. You had to leave your routines, your people, your comfort zone to get there.
“Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.” (v.7)
That verse stops me in my tracks. Anyone could go. But only a few did.
Friend, when was the last time you intentionally moved toward God? Not just squeezed Him in, but set aside time and space to meet with Him?
The People Watched—But Didn’t Go
Here’s the heartbreaking part:
“Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.” (v.8)
They watched.
They respected the moment. They honored what was happening. But they didn’t go.
I see this in our world today too.
We scroll Instagram and double tap on someone else’s testimony.
We attend church and feel stirred—but we don’t respond.
We listen to podcasts hoping they’ll fill a gap only God’s presence can satisfy.
We want nearness—but not if it costs us movement.
God Spoke Face to Face, as a Friend
Then comes one of the most beautiful verses in all of Scripture:
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (v.11)
Let that sink in.
God doesn’t want formality. He wants friendship.
He’s not looking for you to perform, impress, or prove yourself. He wants to speak with you like a friend—intimately, honestly, tenderly.
That’s still possible today. He’s still that same God.
Joshua Stayed
There’s one small detail in the passage that carries so much weight (and honestly blows me away):
“Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua… did not leave the tent.” (v.11)
Joshua stayed.
While others returned to their tents, their routines, their distractions… Joshua lingered.
And years later, it was Joshua that God called to lead.
The ones who linger are the ones God forms.
Maybe your next step isn’t doing more. Maybe it’s staying longer.
Why We Stay at a Distance
Most of us don’t stay outside the tent because we’re lazy.
We stay because we’re afraid.
Afraid of what God might say.
Afraid of what He might ask us to release.
Afraid we’re not enough.
But here’s the truth: God already knows. And He still wants you close.
He’s not waiting for your perfection. He’s waiting for your presence.
How to Enter the Tent Today
You don’t need a literal tent. You need intention.
Don’t be satisfied looking on from a distance. Here are five simple ways to step into deeper connection with God:
- Create space. Find a quiet place—a chair, a journal, a corner of your room.
- Be honest. Talk to God like a friend. No fancy language needed.
- Linger. Don’t rush. Even if it’s quiet, stay.
- Read the Word slowly. Let it breathe life into your spirit.
- Ask questions. Invite God to respond.
He is near. The only question is: will you come closer?
What Happens When You Start Entering the Tent
You might be wondering—what changes when I start meeting with God this way?
Here’s what I’ve seen in my own life and in the lives of other women:
- Your anxiety doesn’t rule you like it used to.
- You begin to crave His voice more than the noise around you.
- Decisions become clearer because you’re grounded in peace, not pressure.
- You feel known. Seen. Loved. Not just saved, but secure in His nearness.
The Tent of Meeting isn’t just symbolic—it’s transformational. You don’t leave the same way you came.
My Story + The Soul Rest Retreat
I have to be honest—there was a time I realized I was doing all the “right” things… but my soul was tired.
I was leading, creating, serving—but I wasn’t lingering. I wasn’t meeting with God as a friend.
That realization is what sparked the vision for the Soul Rest Retreat—a sacred space for women to step outside the noise and meet with God.
No performance. No pressure. Just stillness, presence, and rest.
If your soul is weary… if you’ve been watching from the edge… this retreat is for you.
You don’t have to earn your way in. You just have to say yes.
I’d love to have you join us. Details can be found here.
Final Thoughts
God isn’t content to be admired from a distance.
He is inviting you into the Tent.
Into rest.
Into friendship.
Will you go?
If you want to listen tot he full podcast episode – you can find it here.
