Find Rest.
Bimini, Bahamas
Whew Chile. It’s been a week. I began last week’s blog with the same sentiment. In this moment, it feels like I can begin each Monday with the same words because outside is extra raggedy. Does God have us on DND? Has God thrown up hands and given up on us? Did we assume too many “opt outs,” which made God elect to take His ball and go home? Who could blame Him? After all, what is our response for being carried through a whole pandemic only to act as if our very breath wasn’t spared? Suffice to say, perhaps we would ignore us. That would be our individual, mortal response, but thankfully, we aren’t God. In our humanness, we would pass out vaccines and face coverings to those of our choosing, yet God chooses us without conditions or prerequisites. So then given the current state of affairs, amidst the very fabric of divisiveness, while we are encouraged to be in community with one another, we may also press into the presence of God as we face uncertainty, confusion and bewilderment.
Exodus 33:14 reads, “And the Lord said, “My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest.” This gave me peace. For me, rest is a whole flex. When I wake in the morning and check my phone for my FitBit stats, if I’ve slept more than 7 hours, with a score of greater than 80, I feel pretty proud. Yet, the rest that is referred to in Exodus speaks of rest for our souls. It depicts assurance, peace and confidence that God is working on our behalf and has universal control. This is good, to be sure; however in the referenced scripture, Moses was reminding the Lord of His directive to lead the people; and Moses said, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” My God! As I’ve been praying for God’s presence and rest from all the madness, I inadvertedly missed the “teach me your ways” part. So, before I’m anticipating His presence, I must practice His personality.
In this season, learning “His Ways” means me shutting my mouth. I’ve not been at liberty to complain and process with my circle this month. In the last two weeks of August I got on my own nerves, so I can imagine how I was showing up for those who typically, regularly and lovingly hold space for me. But my words weren’t invoking God to come and sup with me. So, I made a declaration to remind myself that nothing takes God by surprise. When frustration for the familiar rose within me, I chose to trust God. The song goes, “You’re the infinite. You’re the ultimate. We trust you.” As we settle into that invitation, we can feel the shift - we can feel our response - we can feel our help and accordingly, we can feel His presence.
When our children were teenagers and began driving, there was an uneasiness in us until we heard the garage door open. Even if they returned in a less than desired condition that when they’d left, their very presence, in our tangible reach gave us rest. Sure, we may have dozed off while waiting for their return, but we couldn’t exhale until they were home. God beckons us to come in from outside, into His courts and rest in Him. As we do, we will find comfort for all that ails us. He has redemption for the raggedy. We must refuse to allow the occurrences of the world to hijack our intentionality to seek the presence of God. While luxury may not be accessible, rest is by far a more significant commodity and more valuable than diamonds and rubies. Let’s tune out the noise and seek Him this week like never before. I’m confident we will find God, right where He’s always been.