If we take a moment to look around the world in front of us, it’s not hard to see that our world is in a constant state of utter chaos and unrest. It can be overwhelming seeing the pandemonium that this virus has caused. It’s also burdening to see the depravity, wickedness, evilness, and straight out divisiveness of the country, its leaders, politicians and social parties. The pain and grief that sin has caused is a heavy cloud of darkness and its thickness and heaviness is deeply felt and even more palpable with each new day that approaches. Not to mention, the reality of death that is plaguing us. Grief has seemed to be a normal companion these days. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “How can someone find rest in a world like this?”
On top of that, we are not only facing world issues, but our own private issues. We ALL are dealing with something. You may be someone dealing with issues that many don’t know about. You may be someone who is able to keep a good game face for the public, but when you get home it’s a different story. Your soul is just one moment away from collapse. What about that depression that no one knows you’re dealing with? What about that anxiety and grief? What about feelings of loneliness and inadequacy? What about the burnout from your job and the overwhelming demands from external pressures? Or what about the unemployment and financial stress that you’re experiencing? What about relational drama and family trauma? So, again I ask you, “Where do you go to find rest for your weary soul?”
“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a ROCK, except our Lord?” -Psalm 18:31
The other day I went to grab my phone, and before I could even unlock it, I hysterically started crying. For those who know me, this isn’t quite unordinary. I cry on average probably 3 times a week. Lol (Those of you who are more emotional understand me right? haha) However, this cry was different. I didn’t know exactly why I was crying initially, but when I took some time to really release and process what I was feeling. I knew what it was. It was a cry of weariness from the depth of my soul. My soul was tired, depleted, and grieving so many things. I knew it was time for me to rest in and on the ROCK. So that’s exactly what I did. I decided to revisit one of my all-time favorite biblical accounts found in Exodus 33-34.
“On God my salvation and my glory rest, the ROCK of my strength, my refuge is in God.”-Psalm 62:7
In Exodus 33-34, Moses is in an EXTREMELY tough season. He is in a season of uncomfortability and of many unknowns. He is leading thousands of Israelites through a wilderness and to a promise land that he has never seen. God is reassuring Moses that His Presence will be with him. The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”-Exodus 33:14 Moses goes on to plead with God on behalf of the people, to not just be with him, but to be with all of the Israelites and to lead them. God grants his request. Then after this, Moses asked God… “Show me your glory.”-Exodus 33:18 “But He said, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.””-Exodus 33:20-23 God instructs Moses to consecrate himself and to meet him on Mt. Sinai the next day and God did the very things He said. “Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love, and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshipped.”-Exodus 34:5-7,8 “Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. -Exodus 35:28
“Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting ROCK.”-Isaiah 26:4
What can we learn? Moses was in the PRESENCE of the ETERNAL ROCK OF AGES, God himself! Spending time RESTING in and on the ROCK and worshipping the ROCK, allowed Moses to focus on God’s PRESENCE AND NOT HIS PERSONAL PROBLEMS. Time with the ROCK, allowed Moses to see just WHO GOD IS, and reminded Moses of WHOSE child he was. Time with the ROCK allowed Moses to be filled with PEACE and not fear. And it was through Moses RESTING IN AND ON THE ROCK, that he was given the PURPOSE, DIRECTION, AND PLAN for HIS LIFE and for God’s people (The Ten Commandments). Moses’s soul was so at rest in the ROCK that even physical food and water was not a priority. The bible says he stayed with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights. There is an aspect of our souls that food or water can’t quench, fill, or put to rest. Only time resting in and on the ROCK can truly fulfill us.
But you know what else? I don’t think it’s by accident that before God, (THE ROCK), showed Moses His glory, that Moses was told to stand on the rock, and then he was placed inside the cleft of the rock. Then God, (THE ROCK), took his hand and covered Moses. I see so much spiritual application. Moses was covered on all sides by THE ROCK! Just the same, all of God’s faithful children, if we stand on the TRUE ROCK OF AGES, no matter what happens in this life, we will remain covered on all sides! God will remain our firm foundation and nothing will be able to shake us. When we rest inside the ROCK OF AGES, He will keep us from all harm. When we allow the hand of the ROCK OF AGES to cover us, He will cover us with His comforting hand of compassion. And when we allow the ROCK OF AGES to go before us, He will lead us even when we can’t see what’s in front of us or before us. And when we spend time worshipping THE ROCK OF AGES, we will be reminded of His holiness, awesomeness, and never-ending POWER!
No matter what is happening in the world, and in your personal life right now, please REST IN AND ON THE ROCK. Draw near to God. Everything that happens to us in this life, should be used as a means to rest in, glory in, and trust in GOD THE ETERNAL ROCK OF AGES. He is the only TRUE REST for our souls! This world is fleeting, and the cares of life can feel defeating. However, in God is where our eternal hope and rest lies. Every moment, every day, every week, every month, and every year, find rest in the ROCK. He loves you. Be encouraged!
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my ROCK in whom I take refuge, my shield and horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”-Psalm 18:2
5 Responses
How encouraging! Thank you.
Thank you for your comforting words. They are very timely. I’m a cryer, too…i get you, sweetie! Be blessed.
Awww thank you! To God be the glory. So thankful it was able to encourage you. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s a crier lol
Encouraging, on time, & needed. <3
You are most welcome! To God be the glory! So glad it was able to encourage you! 🙂