“And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Ex. 33:14, NKJV).
These words God spoke to Moses are part of one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Moses is expressing longing to know more of God, and God is responding to Him. Part of their conversation is the beautiful promise given in this verse: God’s Presence; God’s rest.
Do you realize that these are not two separate promises? God’s rest is not a distinct benefit from His Presence. When you have His Presence, you have His rest. Deep heart rest is only found in His Presence. This is why Jesus said, “Come to Me… you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).
Moses implored God, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place” (v. 15, NLT). What a wise prayer! Let it be ours every day too. “Father, I don’t want to do this day without Your abiding Presence with me. Don’t let me take one step out of my bed without Your personal Presence wrapped intimately around me all day!”
Just like He responded to Moses, He will respond to you and me. “My Presence will go with you, child. And I will impart My rest to your spirit.” As we learn to abide in Him, we will learn to abide in the place of His rest. Leaning into our oneness with Him, we will live and operate restfully.
This is exactly the opposite of the curse that came upon Adam as a result of his sin. At the fall, his work became a toilsome burden. Jesus became a curse for us to free us from that (and every) curse (Gal. 3:13). When we enter into God’s rest, we can even fulfill our daily work responsibilities, staying in a heart posture of rest.
One more thing to note about this verse. The Hebrew for “My Presence” is “My Face.” There’s something about the face of God that brings our hearts into His rest. That’s why the Aaronic blessing is that His face would shine upon us. The immediate result is the last line of that blessing: that He would give us peace (Num. 6:25-26). His countenance imparts rest and peace.
God is always gazing on us with tender love. As we return that gaze, as we look up into His face, we receive the peace and strength we need for each day. Today, ask Him for His rest. Ask Him for His accompanying Presence. He is so eager to respond.
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Paul writes about “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). How does the light of the knowledge of God’s glory tie into His Presence and His rest?
Have you found true rest in God’s presence?
Feeding On Jesus 
I enjoyed reading this richly written post, Jennifer. Keeping my eyes focused on Jesus makes a significant difference in how my day flows. God gives freely gives me His peace if I bask in His presence. It’s something I have to remind myself of when I find myself in the midst of a spiritual battle in the physical realm. I appreciate you sharing this thoughtful word.
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I am so glad you were blessed by it! Yes, I’m with you on that. “Return to your rest, oh my soul, for the Lord has been good to you”! I have to remind myself too. So grateful for the Helper, who also reminds us 🙂 Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
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I came to an understanding that after an intense spiritual battle with the enemy, quiet peace and godly rest is both vital and sufficient. It’s a rest like none other. It’s a rest that money cannot buy. There’s no vacation that compares to the rest God gives to his people. It an internal and uninterrupted rest. Amen! All GLORY to GOD.
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Amen, hallelujah! That’s keen insight, Rev. Jeanie. I have seen many individuals go on vacation and come back no better for it. What we humans need is the rest only He provides. I’m so thankful He does so abundantly and faithfully!
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The very essence of Jesus in our NEW Covenant relationship is that in Him we find our Sabbath Rest. Thank You Lord for being our eternal ever present rest. Now not just one day but for any moment or time of need.
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Amen and HALLELUJAH forever! I am so grateful to ever be at rest in His bosom. The beloved of the Lord rests secure in Him 🙂
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