Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence

by Michelle Diercks

Living in a broken, unfixable world weighs heavy on every individual's heart. How can you find rest in a world that's overwhelmingly restless? Where do you begin to find God's peace in a world bombarded with strife and the devil's suffering?

Find your beginning in the simplest form: God's names and characteristics.

Time and time again, God has given His children His name to call upon in times of suffering. The many names He uses are lifeboats in the dangerous, sin-stained waters of the world. As you work through a future filled with unknowns, the Good Shepherd walks with you and offers His name as your refuge.

This eight-week women's Bible study will help you examine eight different names and characteristics of God. Through personal writings, Bible stories, and Scripture, author Michelle Diercks will lead you to find peace, rest, and joy in the names of your Heavenly Father. The five daily readings per week guide your journey by offering study questions and Scripture to contemplate.

Change your perspective on how God is working in your life to slowly and simply change everything you encounter. Inhale the comfort of knowing that God is your refuge and will never leave you. Then, exhale all the worries of the world to see the Promised Rest that is a cornerstone to your identity as His beloved child.

Genres: Faith

232 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

Michelle Diercks is a speaker, Podcast host, Bible teacher, and Women’s Ministry Retreat Leader. She is the author of Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence.

Michelle specializes in helping women find peace in God's promises, even through the uncertainties of life. And as the host of the Peace in His Presence Podcast, she's been recognized as one of the Top 50 Mom Podcasters by Podcast Magazine, three years in a row.

She lives on a farm in Eastern Iowa with her husband and their two sons. She loves the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her family. Michelle loves to savor deep and meaningful conversations with friends and loved ones.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest can be promised to one another yet those promises are not always kept. My children promise me rest when they assure me they will get their chores done. The time they spend doing chores opens time for me to rest on my back deck with a book. The principles at the school I teach promise a prep time to me as a substitute teacher where I can take a breath. However, sometimes circumstances dictate otherwise. I promise my husband I will get the lawn mowed so he can rest on the weekends. However sometimes my best laid plans do not come to fruition.

God has also promised us rest. The rest he promises is not a wish or desire for us to have rest but a guarantee. While we fail one another God has also promised us rest. We can be sure of the rest he promises because he has already completed the work that needs to be done for us to have rest.

In her newest book Michele Diericks highlights this rest and peace God promises to us. She does not give a list of things that you must do to have this rest instead she points her readers to God and all the things he is and does for us.. Each chapter highlights the name of God. Each of these names of God tells us something about God, who He is, and what he has done, will do, or is doing for us.

[Deb Burma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does peace seem elusive amid the chaos, difficulties, and distractions of daily life? Does your weary soul long for rest? In Promised Rest, author Michelle Diercks gently guides you to the place where peace is found – to the One who provides real rest. This compelling study examines the names and characteristics of God, serving to draw you closer to Him. Each daily lesson reads devotionally, with a combination of relatable stories, Biblical narrative, and applicable Scriptures, leading you to learn more about the One who loves you beyond measure, never leaves your side, and fulfills His promises for you in Christ. You’ll find engaging questions, journaling space, visual faith illustrations, and so much more in this outstanding resource. Receive rest in the peace of God’s presence. (I was thrilled to receive a pre-release copy of Promised Rest! Couldn't wait to leave this review!)

[Cherie Endrihs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Michelle almost 34 years. I was blessed to be asked to read an advanced copy. The Lord is working wonders through her with this study.
Her purposeful use of each name and the digging into the Word for our understanding is enlightening! I was certainly refreshed.
I am excited about the visual faith ministry element that is a part of this study. For example the coloring page for the name of God you are studying encourages contemplation.
I lead a women's Bible study and this one is up next!

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow down and get to know God better in the pages of Promised Rest. Michelle Diercks guides readers through a study of the names of God--names that reveal different facets of His character. Rediscover the God of power in the names Elohim and El Shaddai. Study the names Jehovah Ra'ah and Jir'eh and learn more about the Lord's care for you. Read about the name El Roi and rejoice that the Creator of the universe sees you.

Throughout the book, Michelle's very personal stories of the Lord's care during critical moments in her life remind us that God is still active and working today. Careful Bible study aids our understanding of the names of God. Excellent discussion and reflection questions enhance the study of His character. Linger in the Word and find peace in God's presence.
(I was given an advance copy of the book to review.)

[Eden Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest and peace. Too good to be true? Not when we are in God’s presence, learning about Him. Not when we reflect on His character and His promises. Not when we take time to apply His truth to our everyday life and experiences. In “Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence,” Michelle Diercks provides the opportunity to do just that. Dierks has an engaging writing style that draws you into the learning, guides you in the reflecting, and offers opportunities for applying them in journaling - and even coloring! Formatted for individual or group use. I highly recommend this book!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to receive a pre-release copy of Promised Rest. The author is a longtime friend of mine, and I am familiar with some of the stories she shares in the book. But reading this book, and hearing those stories again, now filtered through years of wisdom and experience, was a fresh reminder of how our Lord works good, in all things, for His children whom He loves. Michelle has a gift for keeping that truth at the forefront of her teaching. As she invites the reader to walk with her on a journey through the various names by which God is known, she imbues that journey with a calm and deliberate sense of purpose. This book is not a fluffy, "believe in yourself," "name it and claim it" exercise in the "power of positive thinking," but an honest look at the hardness that life can so often bring. Through it all, Michelle constantly points the reader to Christ and the peace that is found only in Him. Pick up a copy as soon as you can and be reminded of God's "promised rest."

[Molly Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the worries of the world overtake you, where do you turn? This Bible study is a gentle reminder that God is always there and we can find true lasting peace in His presence. Michelle beautifully reminds the reader of the character of God as our Creator who longs for His children to find rest in Him alone. You will learn about the names of God and be drawn closer to Him as you move through this study.

[Tracey]

This book is a wonderful gem, encouraging readers while teaching the Hebrew names of God through scripture. Michelle weaves biblical stories with her own experiences to connect us with God’s grace and love. I love the beautiful artwork to color that begins each new chapter. Additionally, there are thoughtful questions for personal reflection and discussion. A great book to add to your collection or share with a study group!

[Joy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading an advanced copy of Michelle's book I checked out her podcast (Peace in His Presence). I wanted to know more about the author before committing to read her book. I liked what I heard and loved what I read! Michelle writes as if talking with a friend. No sugar coating, no high theological language that requires a dictionary or advanced degree. She uses stories from her life to point the reader to the One who offers Promised Rest when life is uncertain or struggling with circumstance you didn't choose. She reminds us that we are never alone but held by God. Each chapter focuses on a Hebrew name or attribute of God and includes personal reflection questions and discussion questions, perfect for group or personal use. Make time to be at rest and find peace as you read Promised Rest.

[Cheryl Hamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study is so engaging. You can definitely go through it on your own, but I encourage you to gather some friends and explore Promised Rest, together.
Michelle's style of writing is very open, honest and real as she shares her personal stories throughout the book.
I enjoyed learning more about the different names of God that were not as familiar to me.
Each week I learned more about all of the ways that God provides me rest in my daily life, while exploring familiar Bible stories and passages in a new way.
The other thing that made this study so appealing is that it speaks to women of all ages, stages and walks of life.
I definitely recommend this book, available now for pre-order!

[Martha Van Buskirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle, strong, reassuring. Great faith read. Gorgeous cover, great insights.

[Christie Steffens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Diercks has written a beautiful Bible study based on the names and characteristics of God. Through her personal stories and soul-searching discussion questions, she draws the reader in to discover the "Promised Rest" that only comes from God. This peace journey continues as you read Bible references, journal your thoughts, or use the devotional coloring pages. This study gives you time to think, reflect, and be at peace. In this chaotic and fast paced world, I thank Michelle for giving us this reminder of where to find true peace. It is truly found in the presence of God.

[Christina Hergenrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study is a beautiful study of the names and attributes of God.
It’s insightful, heartwarming, and faith-fortifying!
Read it. You will love it. ❤️

[Peter Hoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about finding rest in God is highly recommended. It can either be read personally or as part of a small group. It blends solid biblical teaching with relatable personal stories. There are eight sections that focus on different names of God. Discussion questions stimulated great discussion in our Bible study group. This has been one of the more enjoyable resources we have used in our group. The suggestions for a personal prayer life in this book are very helpful.

[Constance Denninger]

The Five Rs of Reflection and Clinging Closer to God in Michelle Dierck's book provides a basic outline for Biblical engagement. The addition of Visual images for meditation and prayer is a powerful way to frame devotional time. Formatted to enhance either a personal or group study there are thoughtful questions for further reflection. In our world of overwhelming distress and chaos, Promised Rest offers respite.

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the book I selected for the summer women's Bible study I facilitate at my church.

For my part, I thought the study was well done. It provides a good balance of personal story and Bible teaching, and I like how each lesson was focused on one of God's names (e.g., El Shaddai, El Roi, etc.).

However, I do feel that the questions were often lacking. I'm on the record as someone who doesn't prefer "looking inward/sharing" questions in a Bible study. Frankly, they don't lend themselves well to discussion. And the questions sometimes got repetitive. I think that was a result of each day's lessons having questions, and then they're compiled for the weekly discussion. So they worked when they stood alone, but not always so well when grouped together.

My misgivings aside, many of the ladies said they enjoyed this book, and some said it was their favorite so far. And several said they've marked things they plan to return to as needed. All of this reminds me that the summer study isn't about me: it's about what the ladies who attend need. So I'm grateful that God is always faithful in leading me to in that direction.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Bible study group just spent about five months working through this book. I liked the use of the names of God as a framework for digging into some Biblical accounts, and there were some good group conversation starters. But it felt kind of fluffy and overly positive - the author shared some hard stories from her life, but in a way that felt like it didn't really dig into the tough stuff. She had some answered prayers, but never talked about prayers that weren't answered in a tidy way, and did that thing I hate about "women's Bible studies" when they assume that all women have had or will have children. I actually skipped a week of the study when I knew that the next chapter was about something I didn't want to read her writing about. I don't know if that's fair to the author, but that's how I felt about it.

[Beth Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem. If you are looking for a thoughtful, contemplative, and in-depth thematic study, this is it. Michelle offers an 8-week study of 8 names for God and how these meaningful names point to His promises to the Israelites AND to us as twenty-first century women. She offers reflection questions, additional Scripture readings, and even coloring pages which are almost like a find-and-search time for meditation. Her personal stories are heartfelt, real, and powerful. She shares tough times in her own life where she witnessed God's grace, rest, and strength, and she invites readers to reflect on their similar experiences. We've had some of the most beautiful discussions in our small group using this study as a springboard. I've been facilitating women's small group studies at our churches for years, and I can say this is one of my favorites.

[Darcy Paape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promised Rest is exactly that, a time to rest in the promises God has placed in his Word. Michelle's storytelling and vulnerability gently encourage us to let down our own guard and receive from the Lord what he so willingly wishes to bestow. I loved how each chapter was anchored in a name of God and filled with scripture that opened up my heart to receive his promises. I will admit this has been a hard season in my personal life and spiritual walk and this book brought such encouragement. I am so thankful God used Michelle to speak needed hope to this weary heart and I know he will do the same for yours as well.

[Kathy Pingel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Promised Rest, Michelle looks at the Hebrew names for God. She beautifully connects the characteristics of God, His promises in Scripture, and her own real life examples to give you a deeper understanding of who God is and His great love for you. Michelle's writing is very relatable, thought provoking, and wonderfully descriptive of the One who gives you true peace and rest. This is a must do study for individuals or groups. The read, reflect, and respond sections are quite powerful. I highly recommend it.

[Carrie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our small group bible study loved this book and not very far into it decided the next book, Promised Hope, would be our next one as a group- we usually wait until toward the end to pick a new book, and usually want to try someone different but we loved her book so much. We love the personal stories, the comforting words, the scripture, and the coloring pages. I have to challenge myself to take time to color them in, but am so glad when I do. Thank you Michelle for a wonderful, encouraging, faith filled book. I have also enjoyed Michelle's podcast.

[Sherrie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

People in today’s world are really hurting. There seems to be no peace anywhere. In this book, Michelle shows us the only place we can find peace - in God. She uses the names of God to show us how He gives us peace. Michelle shares personal stories that are easily related to. She tells how God gives her peace. The reader also gets to explore Bible stories that illustrate that God loves us each and acts on that love. Read this book to find the only source of peace!

[Crystal Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle message of peace in God’s presence and the rest that is gained is a beautiful as the cover of her book Promised Rest. This study walks you through 8-weeks of getting to know God better.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this exploration of rest through the names of God. It had just the right amount of personal stories, historical background and Bible passages to dig into. Highly recommend.

[Stacy Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle has a beautiful way of sharing her struggles with peace and connecting them with the promises that the Lord has for us during those struggles.