Finding Refreshment in Scripture

Refreshment isn’t always physical; sometimes, we need spiritual refreshment. If you, like us, ended the holiday season running on fumes in all areas of your life, now might be a good time to refocus, rest and refuel. One of the ways we can find refreshment for our souls is turning to Scripture. 

But how? 

1. Focus on God’s promises. Throughout Scripture, God promises to restore and strengthen the weary, and it can help to focus your heart and mind on those truths during tiring seasons. Here are a few verses to consider: 

   • Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

   • Isaiah 30:28-31: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding. He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.

   • Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

   • John 16:33:  I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

   • Romans 15:13: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
     

2. Practice thankfulness and gratitude.When our hearts and souls are tired, refocusing on who God is and what he has done can be a powerful form of refreshment. In other words, we’re called to put Psalm 116:7 into practice: Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. How has God been good to you recently or in the past? How have you seen God at work in your life, the life of your church, and in the lives of those you love? How has he continued to provide for you—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Take some time to practice gratitude and thank God for all he has done for you.
   

3. Press pause on all the busyness and prioritize rest. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” God commanded the Israelites in Exodus 20:8-10. “You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” As believers, we are called to a rhythm of work and rest that should characterize the pattern of our lives. Since the new year brings with it an expectation of getting things in order or starting fresh, we can often find ourselves prioritizing a lot of things — and many of them good — but ignoring our need for rest. You may think you don’t need that much rest or pride yourself on being the person who always gets things done, but the stark reality is that you’ll be a better employee, parent and follower of Christ if you actually practice Sabbath. Your mind, your heart and your body needs it.
   

4. Get in the habit of reading and studying Scripture. We’re firm believers in the powerful ways God uses Scripture in the lives of Christians — but the reality is that you’re not going to experience the refreshing power of Scripture if you never engage with God’s Word. Carve out regular times that you spend reading or consuming Scripture. That may look like a daily “quiet time” before the house wakes up, but it may also look like listening to Scripture as you make dinner or drive to work or school drop-off. It could be the simple commitment to read one chapter or a few verses each night before you go to bed. It might mean investing in an app like Dwell or signing up for a Bible study at your church or in your community. Spending time reading the Bible prepares your heart for the work God is wanting to do in your life, helps you to know and understand his character and provides wisdom and direction. And, when you recognize you need spiritual refreshment, you’ll know where to turn. 

Are there particular verses or passages you turn to when you need a bit of refreshment? How has God used Scripture to refresh you in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments!