Rest

Hebrews 4:9-11

Maybe we need to take a deep breath.  Maybe now is a good time.  Maybe we need to limit how much we're listening to news updates.  Maybe we need to find a quiet spot and listen to God.  Maybe we need to open the scriptures, and rest in His promises.  

R: Redeem the Days...  Eph. 5:15-18 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”  One way to rest in the Lord is to know His will – and make the most of our time here on earth.  May God help us not waste our days...but enjoy our days even in the midst of a crisis.  Redeem your time - Rest in Him.

E:  Endure Hardships...  2 Tim. 2:3-5 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” We can’t rest in the Lord if we’re entangled in the affairs of this world.  Enduring hardships is a daily concentration on staying untangled with the affairs of this world.  Be a good soldier...resting in Jesus who has already won the battle for you.

S:  Sing a New Song...  Ps. 149:1-6 “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth...”  You can’t be anxious and praise the Lord at the same time.  Rest in the Lord!  Sing – be joyful!  Let the praise of God be in your mouth!  What can you praise Him for today?  What good thing has the Lord done for you?  Sing a new song!  Rest in Him!

T: Trust God in All Things... Ps. 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;  But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”  Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word...  Trust the Lord in these times of uncertainty.  Trust Him in a bad economy.  Trust Him in sickness.  Trust Him in disappointments.  Trust Him.  Rest in the Lord.