Toward the Ark

"The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 'The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side'" (Numbers 2:1–2).

The camp of Israel formed in ranks on the four points of the compass. All the tents faced inward toward the Tent of Meeting, where Israel met with God.

So it is that God has a place for each one of us. And there is one center: God Himself.

Your tent may be pitched on hard, rocky ground, or on a place exposed to the torrid western sun. Nevertheless you can be content, if you face inward toward the ark (Philippians 4:10-14).

Paul echoes this thought: "So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God" (1Corinthians 7:24). 

If God calls you to a better place, or to safer ground, go with God, but on the whole it's better to "remain," i.e, stay in the place to which God called you. Your lot might seem better in some other place, but better circumstances, in and of themselves, seldom make us happy. No, it's better to “remain.” But face inward toward the ark.

David Roper

3.4.18