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 redeem your days...make the most of your time here on earth. Our days are numbered. Our time is limited. What are doing with our time?
What if you knew you had 12 months to live? What would you do differently? How would you redeem the next 365...the last 365 days of your life? What would really matter if you had only one year to live?
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.
What hardship are you enduring now in your life? What storms are you weathering? Rest in the Lord! Stay strong! Don’t get tangled up in the world’s way of looking at your predicament. Be a good soldier. Rest in Jesus who has already won the battle for you.
S: Sing a New Song...
Psalm 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 angry 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 has He done for you that has brought you joy? What good thing has the Lord done for you? What has the Lord done for you that makes you want to dance and sing for joy? Israel’s song was a new song of deliverance from her enemies. Sing a new song! Rest in Him!
T: Trust God in All Things...
Psalm 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 God in a bad economy. Trust Him in sickness. Trust Him in family disappointments. Trust Him when others hurt you. Trust Him. Rest in the Lord.
