Pastoral Connection: Enjoy Times of Refreshing

May 19, 2024

The power in the name of the resurrected Jesus is the source of salvation, filling the church with believers. The Lord gives us refreshing salvation and allows us to assist Him in spreading that same message to others.

When individual believers begin to feel weary, rundown, frustrated, or any one of several conditions that might hinder us from being joyful and effective for the Lord, there are two things we should do:

1. Refuse to settle for sub-standard methods of refreshment. They may provide temporary relief, but their effect will fade over time.
2. Lean into the provision of God’s refreshment through the Holy Spirit.

Dive Deeper

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Jeremiah 31:25 “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”

John 7:37, 38 “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Practical Application

Be careful to refrain from seeking out what the world would call refreshing since anything the secular world could produce would be fleeting at best. Indulging in such things would be like stopping for fast food on your way to a feast. Also, if we are filled with worldly things, like a child who spoiled his dinner, we would be too full to receive all that the Lord has to give.

Like many of the Lord’s blessings, He often uses us to refresh others. We can serve Him by, among other ways, encouraging one another and supporting or engaging service to others for their sake and the sake of His kingdom.

Realizing that you have received refreshment is an amazing feeling that might catch you by surprise. With the inevitable spiritual growth comes a greater capacity for love, joy, and peace.  Pay attention to these benchmark as to who and where you are looking for spiritual refreshment.

We can feel restoration as we begin letting go of regret, resentment, and past disappointments. Most importantly, we become more comfortable with our identity in Christ, resulting in a greater boldness to serve Him and share Him with others.