Refreshing!

We’ve seen some hot temperatures over the past month here in Colorado. It was a hot and dry June. Several days were over the 100° mark, breaking several records. It was miserable for most residents of Colorado, but for those in the fire zones, residents and fire fighters alike, it was agonizing.

Now, most of the Midwest states are enduring this extreme heat. Along with the heat, very little moisture and dry winds have raged onto the scene and have created some unbearable conditions. It has been a difficult summer so far for many.

A weather pattern has finally entered my part of the country. Moisture has filtered its way into the mountains and prairies of Colorado. The monsoon season has arrived early. Refreshment has come.

After times of spiritual barrenness, drought, and destruction, God supplies refreshment for our souls. It may come in many forms, but the result is the same. Refreshment.

Refreshment

Refreshment may come in many forms, but it all comes from Jesus. Acts 3:19 (NIV) says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Period of sin and rebellion in our lives can lead to some pretty ugly words and actions on our part. But after repentance, refreshment comes. It comes from God.

Exaltation

Psalm 27:6 (NIV) says, “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me.” Refreshment will come after a period of battle and God will lift us up. We will be lifted higher than those we’ve battled and it will be God who does the exalting. We cannot look at this period as a time of victory for ourselves, but as victory for God. In our exaltation, God must be lifted up as well.

Restoration

Psalm 23 is such a comforting passage. It’s one that each of us can quote at least parts of. Verse 3 (NIV) starts with these comforting words. “He restores my soul…” When the refreshing rains come upon our spirit, our souls will be restored. Perhaps your spiritual drought was because you walked away from God. If so, turn to face Him. He is there waiting to bring restoration and refreshment to your life.

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) reminds us, “And the God of all grace, who call you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Restoration will bring joy to our lives, just as the refreshing rain brings life back to a desert land.

Beauty

Yes, something beautiful will come after refreshment. From all the barrenness, drought and destruction, God will use His wonder-working power and bring forth beauty to be used in His kingdom. The Isaiah 61 passage brings such joy to my heart. God showing mankind His love and grace. And specifically Isaiah 61:4 says, “bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…” God will make something beautiful out of our lives. Our poverty. Our brokenheartedness. Our captivity. He’s just waiting to send refreshment.

If you are seeking a time of refreshment in your life, why not reach out to Jesus? He has been waiting and will continue to wait. Please don’t let another day go by with a soul that needs His refreshment. It feels so good to stand, with outstretched arms, in God’s refreshing showers.

Colorado’s refreshing rains have come. For now, the ground has received moisture and the fire danger has subsided. For now, the plants and trees will find needed water to bloom and grow. For now, the land is soaking in all that the skies have brought forth. Thank you God for this refreshment.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna