Times of Refreshing

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]. Acts 3:19 (Amplified)

Having a cold drink on a sunny hot day or taking a hot shower or bath after a hard day’s work can be very refreshing. Some derive refreshment from working out in the gym, going out for a jog, or a walk. Maybe your idea of moments of refreshing is sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere!

Times of refreshing may be experienced from these activities, but the benefit is very short-lived.

Times of refreshing also does not come from the accumulation and possession of things. We should not delude ourselves thinking that having stuff or attaining some achievement or position, brings refreshment. It may well do for a moment until the novelty wears out and then, we are out again seeking for another!

Some of us may even argue that we derive refreshing from church activities. So, we put much energy, passion and zeal into church attendance, meetings, and programs. No wonder we often get tired, frustrated, and suffer burnout!

If we put in a fraction of the energy, passion, and zeal in dwelling in God’s presence, delighting in His word, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thinking, we will definitely experience times of refreshing.

Today’s scripture says Times of Refreshing comes from the presence of the Lord when we repent and turn to God. When we change the way we think and give all credence to the one who died to take away all our sins. When we acknowledge that we often make wrong decisions and generally make a mess of things when we rely or lean on our own myopic understanding.

To repent is not just to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin. It is an act of forsaking and making a complete U-turn from the wrong path we were on.

I have heard some people say, “It’s my life and I live in a free, democratic country.” Basically, freedom to them is the power or right to act, speak, or think as they want without hindrance or restraint. This may be true to some extent; however, this can sometimes lead to enslavement, bondage and sin.

True and proper freedom is being delivered from those things that enslave us or put us in bondage. So, how do we know those things that enslave us? It is by turning to God, by allowing His Holy Spirit to instruct us through His word. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11 (NLT)  

To experience and enjoy times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, our thoughts process must also be right. Right thinking can be enhanced by regular personal fellowship with God through prayer and reading the Word.

Thoughts bear fruit. When we think good thoughts, our lives produce good fruit. When we think bad thoughts, our lives produce bad fruit (simples!).

The more I draw closer to God and study His Word, the more I realise how important it is to be aware of what goes on in my mind. As they say, where the mind goes, the man follows!

Musician Marty Nystrom summed up today’s topic in his song also titled, “Times of Refreshing”.

Times of refreshing

Here in Your presence

No greater blessing

Than being with You

My soul is restored

My mind is renewed

There’s no greater joy, Lord

Than being with You!

Stay blessed and have a refreshing week,

Alex