Refresh and Be Refreshed

In a world that constantly demands more from us, God invites His people to step aside, receive His renewal, and then overflow with life-giving encouragement to others.

The Source of True Refreshment

As continual busyness and giving out depletes our emotional and physical reserves we are commanded to work only six days a week so we can be refreshed on one as God Himself was (Ex 20:8-11, 23:12, 31:17).

Peter's instruction was "Repent so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (Act 3:19-20). When the sin issue, including unforgiveness, has been dealt with the conscience is at peace and the whole body can be truly rejuvenated. "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (Isa 40:31).

The proper perspective is regained when the underlying issues are dealt with, our eyes are refocused away from self and the cares of this world to the Lord of glory and the victory that is ours because of Him (Heb 12:2).

Do I turn to Him?

Time out from the drudgery of life to be recharged within can take numerous forms — out in nature, having a good walk, socializing with friends... they all clear our head of the myriad of seemingly pressing demands so we can think clearly and logically. Yet don't bypass the overt connection to Christ, for in Him we move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Every legitimate source of refreshment, whether the beauty of creation, the joy of friendship, or the restoration of rest, finds its true meaning and fullest power only because we are held in Him. He is not an optional spiritual add-on to an otherwise self-sufficient recovery plan; He is the living source from whom every renewal flows. Jesus' own invitation stands: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28). So come to Him openly and deliberately — in prayer, in Scripture, in worship, in stillness — and let His life invigorate your soul, correct your perspective, and restore the energy that only intimacy with the Author of life can give.

Refreshing Others and Being Refreshed

As "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed", give from the river of life within to those who are feeling down so their spirit is uplifted and they regain a positive mindset (Prov 11:25; Jn 7:38). Paul said "Onesiphorus often refreshed me...he searched hard for me until he found me" (2 Tim 1:16-17). Bringing encouragement was a regular way of life for this faithful and diligent believer as it was also of Philemon who likewise ministered Jesus to others (Phm 1:7).

It is only as we are filled with His life that the streams of spiritual living water flowing from within us can be beneficial to others. Jesus declared, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (Jn 7:38). Our words, prayers, and acts of kindness carry life to the degree that we ourselves are drawing from Christ, the fountain that never runs dry.

The principles of doing to others as we would they do to us, and sowing and reaping, should cause us to live outward focused lives touching those around us with the love and power of Jesus (Lk 6:31; Gal 6:7-10). Yet this can be draining, for even the Son of God was aware that power was flowing out of Him to the needy (Mk 5:30; Lk 6:19, 8:46).

His remedy, was to spend extended time alone with His Father in intimate communion (Mt 14:23; Mk 6:46; Lk 5:16, 6:12). We should follow His example
for unless we proactively replenish what has been given out we have nothing to give and are in a vulnerable position.

Spend time with the Lord, the Spirit of life, to be refreshed

Time spent alone with God is where our spirits can be rejuvenated and renewed as we intentionally connect with the life giver (Jn 10:10, 14:6). "The [Word of God] is perfect, reviving the soul" (Ps 19:7). "The Lord is my shepherd...He restores my soul" (Ps 23:1,3). In humility and expectancy, allow Him to minister His energising power deep into your being, bringing healing and wholeness to every part, for we are engaged in a strenuous and demanding spiritual battle that we can only win as we live by His enabling.

Reflection and Application:

Identify any unresolved sin, bitterness or weariness that is blocking the flow of God's refreshing Spirit in your life.
Schedule regular, protected time alone with the Lord to be replenished by His presence and Word.
Look for one person this week whose spirit you can uplift through encouragement or practical help.
Guard the rhythm of rest and Sabbath so that your giving out is sustained by God's filling up.