Rest

After Moses had received the 10 Commandments, the Israelites began to build the tabernacle. The place of meeting where Moses met with the Lord face to face. Scripture tells us they met like a man meets with a friend. It was THAT intimate.

One day, as Moses was meeting with the Lord, Moses began to doubt his calling, his abilities and the Lord's plan. He was begging the Lord to teach him His ways, for the Lord to find favor with Moses and finally the Lord said... just chill, Moses.

Just kidding. He didn't say those exact words. What he said is even better. Through Moses' anxiety and fear the Lord said:

"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

What comfort to Moses!! In the midst of leading people out of captivity and slavery the Lord was promising Moses rest. The word "rest" means to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself or recover strength. The Lord was calling Moses and continues to call us to Himself. In spending time in the Lord's presence He promises recovery, healing, comfort, peace and relief!

Then, after Moses hears of all of these things that the Lord promises. I picture Moses taking a seat, he probably just plops down because he is so overtaken by the vision of REST. Moses' life consisted of traveling, leading, teaching, pastoral care, and maintaining the law. Rest was a foreign concept to the leader who God had chosen to lead people out of exile!  He is probably so comforted by those words that they soothe his spirit. So, Moses says--

"If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

Basically, Moses says "God, if you don't go with us, forget about it. If you are not going to go with us and if your presence isn't going to remain with us- don't even send us anywhere else. We much rather just stay here where you are."

Moses didn't want to leave the Presence of God after REST had been promised! Gosh, I wouldn't either with a job like Moses'. But, luckily we don't have to worry about it. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the presence of God with us. It goes with us- as we travel the Holy Spirit is with us and intercedes on the Lord's behalf!

This week, as we are spending time away from work, school, and regular routines, spend time in HIS presence. Soak in the rest that only the Lord can provide! This type of rest, isn't the rest that you get from sleeping in, or ordering dinner in. It's the rest that restores the soul, that provides hope and strength and that RENEWS everyday. In this season of Thanksgiving and praising the Creator for what He has provided, I'm thankful for rest and that He goes with me wherever I go. There is nowhere where I can flee from His spirit. No matter how far I run away, He is faithful and I am in HIS presence. I'm thankful for THAT.

PS- This song by David Crowder always, always draws me to restoration and renewal. It washes peace and comfort over me!