What do you find most refreshing on a hot day?

When my in-laws lived in Maine, my wife and I would always go spend a week or two with them during the summer. They had the most amazing porch swing that folded out flat like a bed, and from its position on the porch you had a little view of the lake, so peaceful and relaxing. I remember, every afternoon I would lay on that swing and take the most restful naps. Even with lawn mowers and weed whackers going on around me, I would lay there and let my body and my mind be refreshed.

In today’s fast paced world that says you have to do more and more, and the amount of information we consume on a daily basis, we need refreshment for our body, mind, and spirit. God offers us a refreshment that does just that. His word reinvigorates us and helps us to keep doing the things that He has called us to no matter what life throws at us.

The Bible is full of stories of refreshment both physical and spiritual. We read of refreshment by resting on the Sabbath (Ex. 23:12), with cool water after physical activity (Judg. 15:18-19), by soothing music (1 Sam. 16:23), and with encouraging fellowship (2 Tim. 1:16). Peter describes a time of spiritual refreshment as he pleaded with those listening to repent and respond to the gospel “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19-20).

Like a long nap in the shade on a hot day, God wants to bring refreshing times to us no matter what we are going through. His Word promises that if we will go to Him when we are weary and tired, He will provide refreshment.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Notice here that there is a call to action, though. “Come to me” Jesus said. In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we must come to Jesus. Not fit Him in if we can, but make a priority of coming to Him through prayer and time in His Word.

Maybe you have allowed your schedule to wear you down. Or maybe the circumstances around your life are beating you down. Or maybe you have just stopped pursuing after God, for whatever reason. But that relationship can be restored, and He can give you the refreshment that you need.

Unfortunately, as I’ve aged, I can no longer enjoy daytime naps because then I won’t be able to sleep that night. But I can hit the refresh button by turning to the pages of the Bible and allowing God’s word to transform my life. God’s Word is alive and active, reading it refreshes our souls and can touch and change our lives.

Recently while I was reading Psalm 23, David’s words became alive and active. It felt like God hit the refresh button in my spirit.

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I pray that this passage refreshes your spirit as well.

Pastor Jason