REST (Exodus 33:14)

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

REST – Exodus 33:14

Do you feel rested? If you are anything like the people I know, the answer is “NO”. Americans prize busy-ness, activity, and go – go – go. Everybody I know is always on the move. Our to-do lists are miles long. We never take the time to rest.

Exhausting.

The Israelites probably felt that way too. God had delivered them out of slavery and bondage in Egypt, and they were in the wilderness at the mountain of God. They were basically starting about 40 years of camping in the desert. Walking everywhere. Exhausting.

Moses and God’s Relationship

However, here at the beginning of that journey, God says something really interesting to Moses. Let’s establish the relationship that Moses has with God.

“Now Moses took a tent and pitched it outside the camp, at a distance from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. Anyone who wanted to consult the Lord would go to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand up, each one at the door of his tent, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. As all the people saw the pillar of cloud remaining at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up, then bow in worship, each one at the door of his tent. The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend, then Moses would return to the camp. His assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent.” Exodus 33:7-11

Moses has a unique rapport with the Creator God. They would speak face to face as a man speaks with his friend. Moses, the friend of God. Wouldn’t it be cool to have history record us as friends of of the living God?

God’s Promise to Moses

Here at the beginning of the Israelites’ journey in the desert, God promises Moses that He will go with Moses and the Israelites. And, he makes an extra guarantee.

“Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”” Exodus 33:12-14

REST

God’s presence promises rest for His people. God’s presence=REST. The definition of “rest” is the “ceasing of work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength”. Relaxing. Refreshing. Recovery. God’s rest brings all these wonderful things.

Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Under the Beach Umbrella

During my beach trip this summer, one of the things I am most looking forward to is just being. Resting under a beach umbrella and just relaxing. Letting go of my to-do list for a week to find refreshing and recovery.

Rest in Daily Life

However, God says that I can have that in my daily life too. If I will take advantage of the benefits of His presence, I can find rest from spending time with Him. I have a friend who has really been focused on the discipline of rest this year. She taught me a few tips about finding rest in God’s presence even with a crazy busy life.

Action Step:

Here’s a couple of things she taught me:

1. When you are feeling stressed, take just few minutes to connect with God. You don’t have to have large chunks of time. Just five minutes in God’s presence can bring rest to your spirit.

2. Change your physical position. Getting outside for a few moments and thanking God for His creation (the clouds, plants, stars, etc.) can help you connect with Him and find rest for your soul.

3. Memorize a scripture about God’s rest for your soul that you can hold onto when the busy times stress you out like this one:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

4. Breathe deeply and praise God for the breath in your lungs. “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4

5. Turn on some worship music and sing along!

Let’s take a few moments to use these tips to bring God’s rest to our busy, daily lives rather than waiting for vacation to rest up.

Prayer:

Dear God, Bring Your rest to us through Your presence. Help us to recognize rising stress in our lives and employ these five tips to enter Your presence and receive Your rest. We choose to rest in You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Free Printables for REST (Umbrella):

If you would like a free printable for the Bible Art Journaling above, there is one in the Free Resource Library.

If you do not have the password for the Free Resource Library, click here.