What do
you find most refreshing? A cold drink on a hot day? An afternoon nap?
Listening to praise and worship music?
The
biblical theme of refreshing has a variety of physical and spiritual meanings.
In Scripture 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).
The
apostle Peter describes a time of spiritual refreshment that took place on the
Day of Pentecost. He exhorted his listeners to repent and respond to the gospel
“that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). The
apostle’s statement was especially meaningful to the Jewish audience with its
reference to the millennium when Messiah would rule. But the good news of
spiritual life would also be extended to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
Even now
as believers we can experience a time of refreshing by quieting our hearts in a
devotional time of prayer and Bible reading. When we spend time alone with the
Lord, we can experience His peace and joy which renew us in spirit. Aren’t you
thankful for these daily times of spiritual refreshment?
When we
draw near to God, our minds are refreshed and our strength is renewed. (RBC)
