“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
There are a good many passages in Scripture which speak of natural, physical thirst, but also of spiritual thirst, a soul’s thirsting after God. There are also passages which speak of fullness, or the satiating of the soul, and the evidence of this realized in the heart and life. Is it possible to know both at the same time? Paul tells us of his own experience: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:11,12) Why is this balance between being thirsty and being satisfied so very important? The answer lies in the matter of communion with God. God allows and permits His child in the circumstances of life, to know a normal, spiritual thirst for Himself on this earth. Spiritually speaking, this earth is a desert. It is neither where springs of water can satisfy the soul, nor can the “pleasant places” truly answer the deep needs of the soul, heart, and mind. It is only by that singular experience of walking with God, knowing the power and presence of the Spirit of Christ communicating Life to the soul, that one is satisfied. But that satisfaction is only consistently known as one abides in Christ as one’s life. It is thus very important to understand why there are times when we need to be restored to that fellowship, renewed in spirit and soul, revived by the power of God to an attitude faith, and refreshed by the very presence of the Lord. It was said of Hudson Taylor, who was the founder of the China Inland Mission very many years ago, that his objective in giving messages, which seemed so very spontaneous and fresh, was to bring every believer into fellowship with God. Why? It was so that they would know the reality, and power, of walking by the Spirit of God, communing with Christ, with Him working through them to accomplish His will and purpose. But what does it mean to be restored, renewed, revived, and refreshed? And to what extent is this possible?
In David’s great Psalm 23, he writes: “He restoreth my soul.” What does this mean but that the soul, because of pressures, obstacles, and opposition, has been pushed away from that position of faith in God, where there is the appropriation of God’s goodness for every need. The soul needs to be brought back. This might be due to physical, emotional, or spiritual weariness. We see this in the life of Elijah just after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. The victory that day was monumental, but it absolutely drained Elijah in every way, to the point that he succumbed to fear. Elijah was so exhausted and fearful that he asked the Lord to take his life. The Lord instead would give him food of a heavenly nature, and deep sleep. It was when he was refreshed, and in the solitude and security of a cave, that God worked to restore his soul. David knew the reality of this also in speaking of “green pastures,” and “still waters.” Restoration means bringing one back to a point of beginning in one’s loving faith in God.
Then there is renewal. Perhaps there is no greater example of renewal than that of Israel after the deportation to Babylon. The Lord would comfort Israel, speak to her of sins completely blotted out. Forgiveness came with a promise of “a new thing,” a new beginning that He would give.
Revival speaks of a return to true “living,” for it deals with the matter of Life. To revive is to make to live again. Christ’s life and power is known when the believer is aligned once again with His ways and purposes.
Lastly, refreshment is the experience of Christ’s love, joy, and peace.
Dear Father, Satisfy our thirsting souls and hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.