Red flags whipped wildly in the leftover winds of Tropical Storm Ida. Beach authorities posted warning signs: “No swimming! Rip Currents!” A few adventurous souls combed the beach with hands on their hats while shorts flapped and jackets snapped. But NO ONE dared dip a toe into the ocean’s fury. Her once-peaceful waters had grown turbulent, and she was on a mission to let everyone know she was unhappy!
I wonder if those fleeing Hebrews feared the Force that split the Red Sea. I’m sure they gripped their children’s hands even tighter when walls of water stood at attention. What emotions did those who dared to step onto the Sea’s dry bed feel? Did entering that hallway of water to escape an angry Pharaoh’s army seem like the lesser of two evils? Could they see fish eyes peering at them from behind the tall waters? Was the dry ground smooth, or were there shells and sunken boats littering the way? What did they think about Moses being their leader? Inquiring minds want to know!
God’s parting of the Red Sea initiated such a miraculous journey of deliverance that future generations retold the story over and over again. Scripture refers to the exodus story in some form or another throughout the Old and New Testaments. God repeatedly reminded His people, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” It was Him – all Him!
The Hebrews had no idea where they were going, but the same God who created the wilderness knew the way. He intricately formed each Hebrew in his or her mother’s womb, so He knew their every need. They couldn’t feed themselves or keep themselves dressed, so He graciously fed them manna and kept their shoes and clothing from wearing out. Yet, perhaps most relevant to us today, He knew they needed rest. After enduring slavery, rejection, fear, doubts, and uncertainty, they needed to hear God tenderly whisper, “You just need to rest. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”
Yes, a Sabbath day would relax their weary bodies, but learning to rest every day in His presence would provide ongoing peace for their exhausted souls.
The Sabbath is not merely a day dedicated to rest; it is a way of life born out of peace. A heart and soul that surrenders to God’s presence, power, and protection finds an everlasting Sabbath rest. That kind of trust gives us perpetual peace when life’s stormy winds blow, and rip currents threaten to take us far from shore.
We find rest and peace in spending time with God. Making our worship in song, time in the Word, and conversations with God top priorities keep us afloat when seas of emotions are raging. They also help sustain our peace on calm days.
Loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments of all. However, when it comes to being a living testimony of faith, our peace in all circumstances shines a light just as bright. Our ability to display peace when we should feel stressed, when loved ones pass away, when we feel betrayed or irrelevant, or when our health declines pass all understanding. It testifies to the incredible, supernatural power available to all who believe and trust God. That is the massive difference between us and non-believers. Non-believers can do good things but only with their own power. Believers can do incredibly MORE than they can even imagine through the power of the Holy Spirit living in them. Our supernatural peace comes from Him!
Perhaps, for the next few weeks, you’d like to join me in asking yourself this question: When I walk into a room, do I bring the peace of Jesus with me?
“I [Jesus] leave the gift of peace with you – my peace.
Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world,
but my perfect peace.
Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts –
instead, be courageous!”
(John 14:27, TPT)
