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)
