Read: Exodus 33:12-18

We often fill up our schedules and calendars to the point that we stress ourselves out.  In Exodus 33 Moses seems a little stressed out about his call to lead the Israelite people out of their captivity in Egypt.  In verse 14 the Lord assures him of his help by saying, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Do we leave room for God’s presence in our day?  Do we receive the rest he promises to give to us?

Former WBGL Christian Radio DJ and current Illini and Bulls basketball PA announcer Tim Sinclair recently posted on Facebook about leaving room in our lives to provide margin, buffer, and space.  He shared a new motto of his that is helpful for all of us to implement daily.  “With my mind, leave room to be creative.  With my money, leave room to be generous.  With my time, leave room to be available.  With my energy, leave time to be spontaneous.  With my heart, leave room to be moved.”

The bible is full of encouragements for us to receive God’s presence and rest in our lives.  In Genesis 2 God himself rested from his work of creation.  In the 10 Commandments we are encouraged to remember the sabbath and keep it holy.  In Jeremiah 6 we find rest for our souls.  In Psalm 62 it says, “truly my soul finds rest in God.”  Finally, in Matthew 11 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Make it Personal:  If you feel stressed as you wake up and face the busy day ahead perhaps it would be helpful each day to recite the Lord’s words to Moses to yourself… “The Lord says, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”