Be Refreshed
Inevitably as a child, I was forced against my will to attend all kinds of family events. Reunions, graduations, weddings, maybe an occasional funeral. In the vernacular of the Midwest all of these public gatherings ostensibly involved “refreshments.” The “refreshments” had some positive connotation as a consolation prize to whatever would have been much more fun to do (watching paint dry, etc.) I distinctly remember asking my mother one time what in the world “refreshments” were. I don’t remember anything else she said but I remembered she included cake as one of her examples. From then on I was sold. If there were “refreshments” I was pumped. However, I soon learned that one could have refreshments without cake. Sometimes jello salads and weird punches were involved. I’m sure those things were refreshing to someone, but they weren’t to me.
Even the best refreshments don’t have lasting value. Perhaps the greatest value of refreshments is that they have made me think about a verse in Scripture. Acts 3:19-20 says: “Repent therefore and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” The beauty of this verse is that it reminds me where true refreshment and renewal originates.
First, true refreshment is connected to repentance. Sin tells us the continual lie that satisfaction is found in disobeying the Lord. This might be true for a moment. But sin never satisfies. Sin robs and depletes us. The longer we wait to repent, the longer we wait for times of refreshing.
Second, refreshing comes from the presence of the Lord. God’s presence alone brings the best and highest refreshment. I love how Psalm 16:11 says it: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy.” This verse is something I need to keep to the front of my mind. I’m out here looking for cake when real refreshment is available to me in the presence of the Lord. Let’s seek Him together today!