When Israel entered a place called Rephidim — “resting places” — Amalek came and attacked (Exodus 17:8).

The name Amalek comes from a root word amal עמל meaning toil, weariness, painful labor.

The battle wasn’t just against an enemy.
It was against the pull back into self-effort.

Moses stood on the hill with his hands lifted.
Whenever his arms were raised, Israel prevailed.
When they fell, Amalek advanced.

So Aaron and Hur held up his hands:

“His hands were steady (faith) until the going down of the sun.”
(Exodus 17:12)

This is our picture of victory:
rest supported, rest guarded, rest insisted upon.

The enemy cannot enter the place of rest.
Jesus said the devil seeks rest but finds none (Matthew 12:43).
Rest becomes your protection.

Your battle is not to fight harder.
Your battle is to refuse anxiety’s invitation.
Your battle is to enter into rest. (Hebrews 4:11)

The strongest stance you can take against darkness is staying at rest.