And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 ESV

I remember the first time I watched the classic and epic movie, “The Ten Commandments”. Charlton Heston portrayed Moses, the emancipator of Israel. It was an epic movie . . . and long.

The nation of Israel suffered under Egypt’s tyrannical and brutal enslavement. Under Moses’ leadership they escaped by the miraculous and mighty hand of Jehovah.

God was guiding. God was giving. God was gracious.

As Moses interacted with God, the Almighty would “speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Ex 33:11) This process took time. When the nation grew impatient and concerned over God’s intent, they allowed their hearts to fail and followed Aaron by making a golden calf to worship. Their disobedience was declared and their future was fearful. A Holy God was not pleased.

Moses, as a wise and willing leader petitioned and pleaded with God for His powerful, protecting and prevailing presence. God answered, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex 33:14)

Real rest is only possible in God’s presence. Rest is release, renewal and refreshment.

The presence of God was powerful with Old Testament faith seekers and New Testament faith finders. He gives rest . . . to individuals and institutions . . . to citizens and countries . . . to those under authority and to those in authority.

Rest From Worry.

Paul reminded the Christ-followers of Philippi, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done.” (‭Phil‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ NLT) His ever abiding, ever attentive and ever acknowledged presence allows us the privilege of prayer. The writer of Hebrews reminded readers of unlimited access to the Almighty, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (‭Heb‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ NLT)

Rest From Weariness.

Jesus speaks refreshing words to those who are weary, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (‭Matt 11‬:‭28‬ NLT) It’s easy to fall, fail and be fatigued when we walk in weariness. Our rest and replenishment are realized in His presence. Matthew continued Jesus’ thought, “Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (‭Matt 11‬:‭29‬ NLT)

Rest From Wandering.

The Israelites would eventually find rest from years of wandering. Finding rest in God gives us a reassuring residence in the Rock of our salvation. The psalmist wrote, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Ps 18:2 ESV). He is our solidity, safety and security. There is a unique inquiry derived from resting in Him. Moses asked God, “For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and Your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and Your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Ex 33:16 ESV) We are different and unique because of His devotion and undying love.

Is this a day of worry?

Is this a day of weariness?

Is this a day of wandering?

God gives rest from all of these in His presence.

Find Him . . . find rest.