God Gives Us Peace and Rest

BY Bailey T. Hurley

When we remember God’s presence goes with us and before us, we can find comfort in any circumstance.

When we walk through the desert seasons of our lives, anxious and uncertain if we will ever make it to a safe place of rest, will we believe God’s presence goes with us? And will His presence be enough to rescue us from our fears?

It was 2018 and my husband was out of town when I had my first anxiety attack. I had no idea what was happening to me—why my heart was racing, why I was so faint, why I could not gain composure over my breathing. Feeling totally alone and out of control, I called 911 at 2am. I was hoping the paramedics would come and save me from what felt like a heart attack, only to be given a “sorry” glance as the paramedics packed up and confirmed it was anxiety.

Months went by and I couldn’t sleep, drive my car, or be away from my two-year-old without having severe anxiety over a possible future anxiety attack. I was emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted; I questioned why God allowed this to happen and wondered when He was going to come and deliver me from this ongoing fear and give me His peace instead.

In Exodus 33, God’s people were in the desert wondering when God was going to deliver them from their circumstances. With the people anxious for answers, Moses pleaded with God to reveal the next step and to promise to go with them as they journeyed to the promised land. Moses knew he was not going to be successful if God’s presence was not with them. He wanted assurance from God that He would be with them despite the future hardships they were sure to encounter.

And God answered, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). God didn’t promise a specific day upon which they would finally rest in their future home. He didn’t promise that nothing unpleasant would happen on their journey. Instead, He promised His presence, which is more than enough to give God’s people comfort through any challenging unknowns—a promise we still have today.

I may not know what will trigger a future anxiety attack, but God’s presence goes with me and before me. “I fear no danger, for [He is] with me” and His guiding rod and staff comfort me along the way (Psalm 23:4)—this is a prayer I can pray with confidence knowing God is near.

As you wrestle with setbacks, fears, difficult circumstances, unexpected bad news, and seemingly unanswered prayers, may you find comfort in God’s presence. His presence will strengthen you to continue to hope and wait on His rest and His peace. “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2Thessalonians 3:16).