“My Presence Will Give You Rest”

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go

with you and I will give you rest.’”

 Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

            Moses doubted that he was to lead his people out of bondage. He felt he didn’t have the ability for the task. He asked God to “teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” (Ex. 33:13a)

            The Lord responded with our focus verse.

Basically, God told Moses He would go with his servant and give rest.

            What is rest? My concordance defines rest as sleep. Simple enough but how important is it.

Some people can require up to eight hours sleep a night. I, myself, usually need this amount of good sleep in order to feel rested. Sometimes that sleep is broken up; other times, I can get by on less.

            What good is it? Sleep restores our bodies from stress and helps build up our strength. It improves our concentration. We have a better frame of mind.

            Can we get by without it? Some people boast about getting by on three hours sleep a night. Others have their sleep broken up in spans of 45 to 90 minutes at a time and that doesn’t come until after sunup. A sleep deprived person requires understanding and a great deal of love.

            Freedom from activity is another definition from my concordance. A friend of mine has been through at least two family experiences that would have done in a weaker person. She recently told me that after all these episodes come to an end; she is going to take a trip. I understand what she means. She needs to refresh herself and relax in surroundings speak of comfort to her soul.

            My friend, like a lot of us, desires freedom from stress. From time to time, we find ourselves wanting a release from the pressures of the trials of life. Sometimes, we need rest to help us through the ordeals. Sometimes, we need rest to help us through the ordeals