The Promise of His Presence!

September 11 Devotional Meditation 

By Dr. Patrick Elijah Anyomi 

Key Text:

Exodus 33:14–15 (NIV):

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ Then Moses said to him, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.’”

Devotional Meditation 

Moses stood at a crossroads. The journey ahead into the Promised Land was daunting—filled with uncertainty, battles, and challenges. God had already promised victory and provision, but Moses knew that without one thing, none of it would be enough: God’s own presence.

In response to Moses’ seeking heart, God made a profound promise: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” This rest (nuach in Hebrew) means more than physical relaxation; it means settling in, dwelling securely, and being at peace because of who is with you. It is a rest that comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.

Moses’ reply reveals the heart of true faith: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He would rather stay in the wilderness with God’s rest than enter the promised land without Him and His rest. He understood that God’s presence was the greatest blessing—greater than milk, honey, or even victory itself.

In our own lives, we often seek God’s gifts—answers to prayer, provision, direction—more than we seek His presence. Yet, God reminds us that His nearness is our true rest. In uncertainty, His presence is our confidence. In weariness, His presence is our strength. In battle, His presence is our peace. Wherever He leads, He goes with you. And wherever He is, there is rest.

A Time of Prayer:

My Father Your promise to Moses echoes into my life today: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Forgive me for the times I have valued Your blessings more than Your presence. Forgive me for striving to find rest in outcomes, security, or control, instead of in You.

I echo Moses’ prayer today: If Your presence does not go with me, I don’t want to move forward. I would rather have You in the waiting than any success without You. Still my heart with the assurance that You are with me. Let Your presence be my peace in chaos, my courage in fear, and my rest in weariness. I trust not in the way ahead, but in the One who walks with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.