Strength and rest – contradictory concepts.

Rest is sedentary.

Strength is active, right?

Not necessarily.

Ever hear the cliché, “quiet strength”? Maybe there’s more to it than meets the English-teacher’s eye.

I found an unlikely connection in the story of Moses. He begged God to go with the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land.

God said okay.

“My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.”

Hmm. Why didn’t God say He would give them victory? Wouldn’t that be more important as they traveled through hostile territory?

And what about a verse in Isaiah 30 that mentions rest in an unusual context:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

Again, an apparent contradiction: I’m saved not by fighting, but by resting?

Yes.

When God’s presence accompanied Moses and the Israelites, His strength was impressively attendant. They could rest in the confidence that He “had their back,” so to speak.

Isaiah reminds us of this idea. When we return to the Lord (after doing everything our way) and rest in His presence and provision, we are saved. We are safe.

A quiet confidence gives us the ability to say, “God’s got this,” whatever this may be.

I want that.

When I rest body, soul, and spirit in His presence, I find strength.

How about you? Have you ever found God’s answer in an apparent contradiction?

 

 

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