JOSHUA 18

Here’s how Joshua 18 begins: "The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there." (vs 1) Finally, the Tabernacle of the Lord was assembled in the Promised Land—at Shiloh. It remained there for more than 200 years, until the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines.

What I love about this little detail is that Shiloh means "place of rest." It comes from the Hebrew word shalah, which means to be at rest, to prosper, to be quiet, and to be at ease. What an absolutely perfect description of what it means to be in the presence of God! It is there that we find peace and security; it is there that we can rest.

One of my favorite paintings hangs in my living room. It is the picture of a deep, quiet forest. In the foreground is one, very strong tree, and a hazy fog settles over the other trees in the background. Next to the tree in the foreground is this Scripture: "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" (Isa 30:15)

In quietness and trust is your strength.

I think this is what it means to say that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. It is when we are calm, when we are still, and when we know that He is God that we find ourselves at peace and completely taken care of. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt 11:29-30)

It is no coincidence that the Tabernacle of God in the Promised Land was in the "place of rest." For God is rest. And whenever we come to Him, rest is the very first thing we will find.