“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (NIV)

After Moses and his brother Aaron led the Israelites out of Egypt, they journeyed to Mount Sinai where Moses went up the mountain to receive God's instructions for what was to come next. As you might recall the story, while he was on the mountain, the people rebelled and with the help of Aaron, made a false idol and worshiped it.

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Now imagine Moses' state of mind when he came down from the mountain. I imagine he was coming to the realization that he had an insurmountable and exhausting task of leading a stiff-necked people (his brother included) to the Promised Land, where much tougher challenges awaited them. And this was despite the many tangible and visual miracles God performed that the Israelites witnessed first-hand. I'll bet Moses thought his task was impossible.

Have you ever been in Moses' sandals? I believe we all have in one form or another, and it's not easy! But while God doesn't promise a life free from difficulty, he does say he will walk with us every step of the way (Isa. 40:31). Even more, like he promised Moses, he promises us rest.

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Rest can take many forms: sleep, ease, lack of troubles, physical inactivity, etc. But I think rest here means peace of mind. Key is God's promise that his “presence” will go with us. Since we are unable to see God and live (Ex 33:20), God's presence referred to here is his Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are bestowed with the Holy Spirit through which we can know him and find favor, just as Moses requested. And like Moses, while our troubles may seem impossible and may not go away, we will receive rest (Phil. 4:6-7).

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The more we practice and seek the Lord during the challenges in our lives, the better we become at receiving the rest that we need to continue not only meeting our challenges but growing our faith through them. As we persevere through our trials and tribulations, we prove to ourselves that our faith is real. The more we realize the wholeness of our faith, the nearer God's presence will feel.

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Ultimately, God's presence within us transforms our lives into joy; the joy of an eternal relationship with an all-powerful, sovereign Creator who literally is love (1 John 4:8). James sums it up nicely when he writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).  

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So in everything, through all trials and tribulations, seek the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, and He will give you rest. A rest that transcends all understanding.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your wisdom and promises. Thank you for your covenant with us. Thank you for Moses and his heart’s desire to know you. As we encounter trials and tribulations in our fallen world, please help us to trust that your love for us will carry us on wings like eagles. That we can, with a clear conscience, give them over to you, and you will give us rest. Amen.

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P.S. The day after I wrote this, our canine constant companion for nine years died suddenly and unexpectedly. I will miss Sunny tremendously. It seems God prepared me in advance to practice what he teaches. I can't explain why, but during this difficult time, I feel God is giving me rest. May the peace of our Lord be with you also.