Wednesday, May 11, 2011

His Presence Brings Rest

It was awhile ago when I first read this verse...

Exodus 33:14 -
And He said, "My presence shall go {with you,}
and I will give you rest." (NAS)

I liked this verse, because of its comforting tone to it, and decided to ask a few friends what it means to them. Here are some of the comments I received:

Patricia Rod:
Before [my] acceptance and surrendering of all to Jesus, missionaries would come to visit and I saw radiant faces and smiles and quiet loving spirits. I wondered what caused that and could I learn of it.
God said, "I will make all my GOODNESS pass before you. However He said NO man may see Me and live. Moses was able to see God’s lingering image after He passed by, and even that caused Moses’ facial skin to shine with God's passing Light. WE shine because of God's promise of His "presence" to go with us.
Daneille Snowden:
I love the pronoun "He" here. He is My God, my Father - who is indeed omnipresent (everywhere)! Sometimes, I am in places not just physically but emotionally that seem so dark and lonely. Yet, there is that peace in the midst of the dark storms knowing HE SAID He is with us, and with Him the storms do cease - mostly in our spirits (where it really matters anyway). When God says it, like many a preacher has said, "that settles it!"
Mary Lee:
It seems to me that God agreed to go with [the Israelites] and not only to do that, but in His mercy and wisdom to give them rest also (which I take to mean defeat of their enemies).
James McIntosh:
It seems that the God and Creator of this world was telling His chosen people to relax in Him and that He would help them and take care of them. He only wants them to choose to follow, no matter how bad things would look or become.
Overall, the focus of this verse is primarily on two important words: presence and rest.

PRESENCE: The state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place. If someone is present, that means he is right here, right now, able to be communicated with in some way.

REST: to settle your mind, put you at ease, give you comfort.

When GOD is present in our lives, HE gives us his love, companionship, comfort, & support. This is what brings peace and rest to our souls - just knowing He is there to help us and carry us when the going gets tough.

Here is a video about resting in His presence that you may appreciate...


3 comments:

  1. This Scripture was in our devotional time today. I have also read similar things in my email newsletters today. I think God really wants me to get hold of this concept today! Thank you Vicky! The song was awesome and fit perfectly!

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  2. Awesome, Kelly! Isn't it neat how God works!

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  3. Thank you for sharing this! I didn't realize how much I was struggling with myself, and wondering why I still struggle so much. There are so many verses that tell me to go to Jesus. If I accept that He is with me, I can rest.

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