His Presence: His Rest
Exodus 33:14“My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
If there is one single yearning in my heart for this year, that supersedes everything else that I may long for, it is the yearning for the constant, abiding, and tangible presence of God in my life: every day, every moment. Too often, God’s presence has been something we seek only at specific times, for specific reasons. Sometimes, a ‘feeling’ we want when we are engaged in corporate worship. Sometimes, a warm embrace to comfort us in times of sadness. Sometimes, a hand to hold us when we are fearful and afraid. Sometimes, a guiding light to shine the way when we need to know which step to take next. For those moments in which we may do or say things which are not honouring to God, we are quite satisfied to remain without His presence, and even attempt to ’hide’ from it, if that were possible.
The Israelites had the promise of God’s presence with them, and the promise of REST. Not only would God go with them, leading the way clearly, His presence would bring them to a place of rest. Not a physical place. A place free from worry and anxiety, a place of assurance that He was in complete control. An assurance that He was their Source, and therefore they had no concerns for daily living.
How we long for His presence. And how He longs to replace our restlessness with His rest. This year, I’m done with just spurts of His presence. And I’m done with restlessness, unless it’s a restlessness for the things of God, in which case I say ‘bring it on.’
In 2011, I intend to walk in His divine presence all day, every day. I intend to do this by intentionally surrounding myself with the things of God, and removing from my life, everything that takes me away from Him. I want His presence and I want His rest. Join me in this pursuit!
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