I am feeling a little (okay I’ll admit it, a lot) jet-lagged and tired. And as I sit here this morning, I’m wondering how my brain can possibly function well today. So I thought I’d see what God’s Word has to say about how to get over this feeling of weariness.

I read this little bit from the small letter to Philemon. “Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Philemon 1:20 – NIV) That’s exactly what I need! Refreshment within me. In my heart. So how can my heart find refreshment? Here are just a few ways.

Spend Time in God’s Word

God’s Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His Scriptures.

Psalm 19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be refreshed.

Rid Your Life of Sin

Sin is a killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s presence, there is no chance of refreshment.

Sin can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm 139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.

We see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s time to repent.

Rest

This may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells us that “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”

I know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you (and I) need to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to consider in order to find refreshment.
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17 – NIV)

Refresh Others

When we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh others.

We can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family or strangers. Our comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?

Allow God to Be in the Middle of It

God wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over. But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Are you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Need some refreshment? Spend time with your faithful God. Reach out to God. He will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the opportunity. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on His offer?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna