BOLD, WISE, HARMLESS
A couple hours before writing this blog, the Governor of my home state, Michigan, just extended the state of emergency until May, 28, 2020 due to COVID-19. Yuck, another month to go! This action for me is highly infuriating and irrational for many reasons which is a discussion for another time. However, the situation raises the question, “How do I keep my Sabbath rest all week long, especially when disagreeable things happen?” I’m sure there are many great tips and scriptures, but here are five I’ve found helpful.
1. Be Bold - “But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 To me, being bold, brave or courageous in a frustrating situation is to look past the situation and look for “God’s Upgrade”. Don’t embrace the fear, anxiety, frustration or stress, but ask God to help you see the possibilities, and what action He wants you to take. I think having this mindset is one possible meaning of the verse in Eph 4:26 which says, “Be angry, and do not sin”.
2. Be Wise - “Be ye therefore wise as serpents.” Matthew 10:16 Don’t take knee jerk actions. Pause and breathe. Realign your thoughts and emotions with God’s thoughts and emotions. He may be doing something in this situation to bring someone to Him. Maybe that someone is you or a loved one. Seek the truth about the situation to better understand what is happening. Knowledge is power, and applied knowledge is wisdom which brings freedom from fear, and appropriate action.
3. Be Harmless - “And harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16 Sometimes being “harmless” looks different than we would expect. “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” Mathew 21:12-13 Immediately following this, the sick were healed and the children sang! Read the whole story. It’s beautiful! Harmless is blessing and standing up for the kingdom of God.
4. Peace Be Still - “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 Rebuke your internal fear, anxiety, stress and command it to “Be Still”. Jesus is King! Fear is tormenting (1 John 4:18), but God has not given us that fear. He gives us the POWER of the Holy Spirit, the LOVE of Father God, and the SOUND MIND of Christ. 2 Tim 1:7
5. Rest - “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 The story in Acts 12 of Peter sleeping in prison before the angel came always fascinated me. Peter’s example of “resting” before he was suppose to be executed, is amazing to me. I think his “resting” demonstrates what this verse means, even in the worst of situations.
By applying these truths, may you experience Sabbath rest all week long. You will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant! Subscribe and comment below.