Being Refreshed

It is easy to bend under a load of concern and the burdens of life which tend to weigh us down.  Whether the weight is physical, mental, or emotional we become exhausted and extremely tired shouldering this concern.  Sometimes we are so tired that we do not even have enough energy to pray.  Of course, God knows all about that inability but He still wants us to come to Him despite our feelings so we can be refreshed.

If we want to do the best job that we can possibly do, we need refreshment – physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual.  To be refreshed means to be energized, restored, rejuvenated, or invigorated.  Often, we experience refreshment when we simply take time to rest our bodies.  Other times refreshment comes to us when we spend time in quiet meditation – reading God’s Word and thinking about what it says.  Periodically we can also be refreshed by people, especially those that excel in expressing positive words and acts of kindness.  Here's what the scripture tells us about being refreshed.

1)      God’s word always refreshes.  “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (Psalm 19:7).

2)      Refreshing comes when we turn to God.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

3)      Refreshing someone else can bring personal refreshment.  A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

4)      Friends can supply refreshment.  “May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (II Timothy 1:16).

5)      Some refreshment comes from eating.  “Refresh yourself with something to eat” (Judges 19:5).

6)      Other refreshment comes as we rest.  Of God it was said, “On the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17).

We constantly need refreshment, and we need to remember that we can also assist in the refreshment of others.  Why not ask God to help you experience the refreshment you need and make you a good refresher of others through the words that you say, the actions that you take, and the care that you give.

Time to Rest

In the whirlwind of our fast-paced society it is sometimes difficult to stop or even slow down.  However, amid our hectic activity of work and service (no matter how good the service we provide) we need to program rest into our schedule.  Amid a very busy schedule for both Jesus and his disciples He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  There was a reason for His request.  Jesus needed rest and His disciples needed rest.  You and I need rest too!  Notice several things about this comment by Jesus. He said:

1)    “Come” – The invitation was a personal calling for the disciples to take action that would lead to what was necessary for them.

2)    “With me” – The source of the invitation was also personal because being with Jesus was where they would gain the most.

3)    “By yourselves” – The exclusivity of being apart from the hustle and bustle of the crowds was important as it would ensure uninterrupted time.

4)   “To a quiet place” – The destination was the only location where their minds and spirits could be calmed.

5)    “And get some rest” – The purpose of this activity was to provide refreshment and relaxation where they would receive strength and renew their energy.

Periodically you and I need to STOP.  We need to stop what we are doing.  We need to stop our work.  We need to stop our activities – even the good activities that we do.  We need to stop worrying.  We need to stop thinking about concerns that weigh us down.  We cannot keep working and serving without rest for our minds, bodies, and spirits.  Here are a few suggestions that may help you put yourself in a position to receive the rest that you need.

1)      Ask God to help you be willing to take the rest that you should and which you need.

2)      Learn how to say “no” to additional work and multiplied activities.

3)      On your day off make sure you take time doing something you do not usually do and which you enjoy.

4)      After your regular work or activity, get in a position where you take time for yourself.

5)      Take a vacation and use all the time that you are allotted.

6)      Focus your mind on something other than your work or the service that you render.

7)      Encourage your spouse or a friend to “come apart…and get some rest” with you.

When you rest, you will be more effective for the work that you do and/or the service that you render.  Just do it!  It’s time to rest.

Summertime

Warm weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to summertime.  When we think of summer most of us think of these things as well as vacation – whether we travel to some distant place or stay at home.  When we think of vacation we may also think of rest, relaxing, exploring, or participating in some adventurous activity.

To be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be refreshed.  Rest is important for our lives because each one of us needs a breather and time for refreshment and rejuvenation.  However, sometimes we have a “summertime attitude” with actions that keep us away from God.  We may find ourselves involved in lots of activity but at the same time we easily forget about the usual disciplines of the Christian life that keep us in touch with God.  As a result, we draw apart from God rather than coming closer to Him.

If this mind-set becomes part of our lifestyle during the summertime, we may find that we become physically refreshed but we will also discover that our spirit begins to dry up.  That is why we need to rest in God.  The Psalmist clearly proclaimed, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

This verse suggests three points of encouragement that are extremely helpful to us and should be practically applied to our lives. Obviously, the source of the encouragement in this verse is God himself who is referred to as “the Most High”.

1)    Stay.  First, an important place for us to stay is next to God.  To “dwell” means to stay, to reside, to settle, or to live.  If we are not in the position of staying, we miss out on the best that God desires for us.

2)    Protection.  Second, we can enjoy the “shelter” that becomes a sanctuary, a haven, or a refuge for us.  In that shelter we are shielded by God from the forces that would destroy us and we are guarded by the Almighty.

3)    Relaxation.  Third, to be refreshed and recover the physical strength that has been depleted we need to “rest”.  The place where it is easiest for us to enjoy the rest that we need is right next to God.  In that position we can reside in God’s shadow where we are safe from harm.

As you and I enjoy the summertime this year let’s make sure that we do not forget God.  When we abide in God’s almighty power, let’s not forget to praise Him for standing by us and providing the rest and refreshment that we enjoy.

In Times of Trouble

Years ago, I was visiting a hospitalized elderly lady from a church I served.  We had a nice conversation and before I left, she asked me to open her Bible and read an article she had placed in it.  As I looked at her Bible I saw that the cover bulged. Opening it I discovered scores of articles which she had cut from various publications and kept for future reading.  I asked her which article she wanted me to read and she said, “The first one just under the cover.”

The article, written by Andrew Murray, was entitled “In Times of Trouble.” When I finished reading she said, “That really encourages me.”  While reading the article I was also greatly encouraged and thought how I could use it to encourage many other people in future visits. After praying with the lady she said that I could borrow the article, make a copy of it, and return it to her the next time I came to visit.

Later, as I served another church, I shared this story and the article with a man who was hospitalized.  He enjoyed the article and when he heard that I planned to share it with others who were going through difficult times he said he would like to print it for me. Having copies of it would allow me to leave a copy with those I visited. The article was based on Psalms 50:15 which says, “I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory.” The article says, “In times of trouble God’s trusting children can say:

First, the Lord brought me here.  It is by His will that I Am in this place.

Next, in that I will rest.  He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Then, God will make the trial a blessing, teach me the lessons He intends me to learn and work in me the grace that He means to give.

Last, in His good time, He can bring me out again; How and when, He knows.

Then I can say: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His teaching and for His time.”

It is interesting that the verse on which the article is based describes several things. (1) First, God wants us to trust Him and stay away from things that do not satisfy.  (2)  Second, God wants us to trust Him all the time including during difficulties.  (3)  Third, God knows we will go through difficult times, but He wants to show His power by rescuing us. (4)  And finally, God wants us to give Him the glory because He is the One who is worthy of being lifted high.

Are you going through a troubling time?  My suggestion to you is to follow the instruction from this verse and be encouraged by the article.  Invite God into your life.  Completely relax in Him.  Enjoy the fellowship that He provides for you.  And, rejoice with assurance as you rest securely in His hands.

Rest and Relaxatioon

During a winter vacation trip to Florida my wife and I had the privilege of walking up and down the beach.  It was fun to enjoy the warm rays of sunshine and experience the cool water of the Atlantic Ocean lapping at our feet.  We enjoyed relaxation and refreshment in this beautiful setting and saw other people enjoying the same thing.  I turned to my wife and said, “I think I could be one.”  To which she asked, “Be one what?”  “I think I could be a ‘Beach Bum’, I said.”  Of course, I was kidding, but in a sense, I was just expressing how wonderful it was and how great it felt to take a break from the regular routine of work.  The Bible talks about rest and shares some valuable truths about it.

1)    God wants all of us to rest and be refreshed.  Jesus told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  God wants us to have rest, so He created both the day and the night. 

2)    God is the only one who can give us spiritual rest.  The psalmist says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1).  When God talks about rest, He is concerned that we not only have physical rest but that we also get spiritual rest.  That rest can be characterized as an inner peace of heart and mind which is possible through a personal relationship with God.

3)    God does not make the decision for us to receive His rest; we do.  The writer of Hebrews very pointedly says, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:11).  In order to obtain the rest that God offers, we must make a personal decision to receive Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.  When we do so, Jesus promises us a place in heaven with Him.  He says, “In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have old you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

So, is it time for you to rest?  Have you spent some time apart from your regular routine (no matter what that routine is) to get some physical rest?  Are you aware that only God can give you spiritual rest?  Do you know that God cannot make the decision for you to receive His rest?  Maybe this would be a good time for you to personally receive the spiritual rest that God provides.  Turn to Him in prayer and ask Him to come into your life and make you the kind of person He wants you to be.

Summertime and Vacation Time

Warm weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to summertime.  When we think of summer, most of us think of these things, as well as vacation – whether we travel away to some distant place or stay at home.  When we think of vacation we may also think of resting, relaxing, exploring, or participating in some adventuresome activity.

To be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be refreshed.  This is important for our lives because each one of us needs rest and refreshment.  But sometimes our “vacation time” or “summer time” attitude keeps us away from God.  We find ourselves participating in lots of activities but forgetting about the usual disciplines of the Christian life that keep us in touch with God.  As a result we draw apart from God rather than coming closer to Him.

If this mind-set becomes a part of our life in the summer time, we will find that we may be refreshed physically, but we will also discover that our spirit begins to dry up.  That is why we need to rest in God.  The Psalmist said, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

That means that we can rest at the same time that we stay in close contact with God.  As you and I enjoy this special time of the year, let’s make sure that we don’t forget God.  During the month of July we have celebrate Independence Day.  So, as we rest in God, let’s also remember to praise God for the freedom that we enjoy in our great country.

Time for Rest

In the whirlwind of our fast-paced society it is sometimes difficult to stop or even slow down.  However, amid our hectic activity of work and service (no matter how good the service we provide) we need to program rest into our schedules.  Amid a very busy schedule for both Jesus and his disciples He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  There was a reason for his request; He needed rest, and they needed it.  You need rest too!  Notice several things about His comments:

(1) The invitation – “come.”
(2) The source – “with me.”
(3) The exclusivity – “by yourselves.”
(4) The destination – “to a quiet place.”
(5) The purpose – “and get some rest.”

Periodically we need to STOP.  Stop our activities – even good activities.  Stop our worrying – even thinking about concerns that may be good.  You can’t keep on working and serving without rest.  Here are some suggestions for you:

(1) Learn how to say “no.”
(2) On your day off – make sure you take time off.
(3) Go on a vacation – take all the time that you are allotted.
(4) Encourage your spouse or a friend to “come apart…and get some rest.”
(5) Ask God to help you rest as you should.

When you rest, you will be more effective in the work that you do and the service you render.  Just do it!