REFRESH — “To make (someone) have more energy and feel less tired; to give someone more: to fill again; to put into a computer’s memory again in order to show new information; to cause an updated version of.” (Mirriam-Webster Dictionary)
Refreshing is an important part of life. You can’t go on indefinitely without it. It’s something we all need.
The Bible talks a lot about refreshing. It primarily describes refreshing in three ways:
- Something we can receive from God.
- Something we can receive from people.
- Something we can and should do for others.
God is the Source of refreshing. When you’re frayed and weary, He stands ready to refresh you! Here’s His promise to you:
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. — Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)
What a great word of encouragement! If you’re weary, ask God to refresh you.
God also uses people to refresh us. When the Apostle Paul was going through a very challenging time in his ministry, he described some wonderful people God sent to him — some people God used to refresh him.
I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. — 1 Corinthians 16:17, 18 (NIV)
You can’t stay refreshed without good people in your life. Paul needed strength, calm and refreshing, and he received it through some wonderful people God sent into His life.
It’s also important to be a refresher to others. All too often, instead of being a blessing to people, we create burdens for people. Instead of adding value to others, we consume the resources of others. Instead of refreshing others by our presence, we leave them drained and dry. With some effort, we can change. You can become a refresher to the people around you!
When you refresh others, God promises an incredible return on your investment!
… Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. — Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
Perhaps it’s time for some refreshing in your life. There’s no doubt that it’s time for some refreshing in people around you. Ask God to refresh you. Pray and look for the refreshing people God sends your way. And most important of all, be a refresher to others. You won’t regret it!
Dale O'Shields
