"When we are struggling to keep up or are feeling depleted and without the energy to get through our day, we can turn to the Lord for refreshment." Kathy Spampinato

The word "refreshment" has two different facets that typically describe it. First, a refreshment is a light snack or drink. When you feel weak and parched, a cool glass of juice and a bite to eat can revive you. The second definition tells us that refreshment is the giving of fresh mental strength or energy. The snack brings physical energy and also motivates you to continue, and to thrive. It provides the incentive to push on to finish the job and go about your day renewed.

To be refreshed mentally and spiritually requires a stepping back for a moment. It includes a release of the stress and weariness that has been weighing on you. A restful weekend or a change of pace can provide a new outlook on your situation. It can be the incentive for a new approach or the inspiration for a brilliant solution to your problem. Refreshing can come from lots of different sources depending on how you relax. It could be you are inspired by a tough workout, a soaking bath, a good book, or a long talk with a friend. The Bible tells us that times of refreshing come from the Spirit of God. When we are struggling to keep up or are feeling depleted and without the energy to get through our day, we can turn to the Lord for refreshment.

Acts 3: 19-20 TPT "And now you must repent and turn back to God so that your sins may be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord's presence."

This scripture makes it clear that part of our weariness is a disconnect from God. The joy of the Lord is our strength but if we are worn down and without joy, there is a problem. God's presence is what brings us streams of refreshing. We are encouraged to turn back to God so our sins may be removed. This isn't necessarily the time we repent and ask Jesus to come into our life. It could also be any time in our Christian walk when we have a moment of realization. We've drifted off course and have been consumed with worry, stress, or resentment. We've let the cares of this world steal our peace.

Luke 8:5-8a says, " A farmer went out to sow seeds for a harvest. As he scattered his seeds, some of them fell on the hard pathway and were quickly trampled down and unable to grow and became nothing but bird seed. Some fell on the gravel, and though they sprouted they couldn't take root; it withered for lack of moisture. Other seeds fell where there was nothing but weeds. They too were unable to grow to full maturity, for the weeds choked them out. Yet some of the seeds fell into good, fertile soil, and they grew and flourished until they produced more than a hundredfold harvest, a bumper crop."

The field in this parable is your heart. Has it become hard and resistant? Is it full of rocks and thorns? Is your internal life dry and cracking, lacking the moisture to feed you and bring hope? It is time to turn back, and seek times of refreshing. They come in the presence of the Lord. Ask Holy Spirit to visit you and bring the refreshment you need to thrive, grow, and become fertile again. Your heart can become a garden of life and love.

Isaiah 12:3 ESV "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Psalm 33:1 "Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!"

Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

God holds joy, fulfillment, and peace for you. Your times of refreshing are close. Now is the time to seek them, by seeking Him. He is there.