"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (Exodus 33:14)
What a beautiful promise of God to Moses (and to us). Wherever we go in His will, He will give us His rest. He will cause us to have a peaceful spirit, a calm demeanor, a relaxed state of mind. Hallelujah!
Here was Moses talking to God in this verse. Moses was called to lead (it is estimated) between 2.5-4 million people from captivity and slavery across a desert and into a land that was promised to them. He was the ONLY leader of this crowd of people - before running water, before public speaking systems, before electricity. He was given the sole responsibility to deliver them into a strange land and establish their own nation. Wow! Of course, God promised that His Presence would go with them to guide them, to protect them, and to reassure them. Plus, God would talk to Moses as friend-with-friend (which would be kinda handy sometimes nowadays, right?).
How much time do we spend making sure the Presence of God is with/in us? We get up in the morning, do our daily routine, scan social media or watch television to check the news and weather, get the kids ready for school, and rush out the door. All, most of the time, without even so much as a "good morning, Lord" or a short devotional to set our minds for the day. We need to take our lead from Jesus, our Great Example, Who walked with the Father consistently. He told His followers that He only spoke what He saw His Father do. In another place He made the statement that He knew the Father always heard (paid attention to, gave heed to) Him. How would you pray if you knew that God Himself heard every prayer and gave it His special attention? That is the relationship we are supposed to have with God! It is important we do a "God-check" every morning before we walk out the door to greet the world, for the god of this world is always watching and waiting for the opportune time to attack.
Today I challenge you to find time - even a short time to begin with - to spend with God before your ever reach for your phone, check email, turn on the TV, or anything. It is more imperative nowadays than ever before to make sure the Presence of God goes with you. Sure, you may not lead 4 million people, but you do lead yourself (if you don't have a family). Even you need a leader in yourself. Let that sink in for a moment. You are not your body. Your body has been set against all that is godly. That's why in my city Dunkin Donuts comes before any other place to purchase breakfast (if I'm out at that time). Sweets and other harmful foods are appealing. Alcohol is appealing. Smoking is appealing. Drugs are appealing. Sex is appealing. Oversleeping is appealing. Laziness is appealing. Let God guide you in all these (and other) areas in your life. Allow Him to become your rest. This will only happen if He walks and talks with you daily. Make that happen. Today.
Be blessed.
Comments