Refresh, Recharge and Renew
Spring is such a wonderful time of renewal. I love the sounds of the morning as the birds sing and chirp slightly before the sun rises. The dawning of a new day and a new season invite us to refresh after seemingly long, cold winter days and nights.
Refresh
We can get tired and bogged down by daily activities and information coming at us at seemingly relentless paces. We can get saddened by news of terrible events that can affect our thoughts and moods. We need a refreshing.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23: 1-3
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Psalm 68:9
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. Romans 15:32
By all this we are encouraged.In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. II Corinthians 7:13
How to be refreshed:
- Pray and read God’s word – seek portions of chapter that give you encouragement
- Seek the company of fellow Christians and share encouragement
- Sing and or listen to uplifting Christian music
- Get outside – see the beautiful world gifted to us
- Give to others in your time, your spirit and your love
- Release – let go of worry and concern – only God can handle all the troubles of this world
Recharge
Sometimes we’re just tired. Tired from the daily activities that call upon us. Tired from all of the negativity brought before us. Just plain tired. We’re just too plugged into all that is going on, too.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God/ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; I Peter 13:15
- Take time for yourself to rest physically, spiritually and mentally
- Talk with a friend
- Seek God for strength
- reset your mindset – through God’s word
- unplug for some time from the constant notifications on devices
Renew
Your Mind
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Your Faith
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. John 7:37-39
For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. II Timothy 1:6
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
Your Spirit
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit. Psalm 51:12
Your Strength
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Take Time to Refresh, Recharge and to Renew
We all need time to refresh, recharge and to renew. We all get weary from time to time. The great gifts we receive from God are salvation and His presence – He will give us joy, strength, renewal and purpose – He will give to us of Himself. Take time today to rest and to reflect on the wonderful, joyous relationship we have with Him. Take time to rest.
‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. Revelation 3:12