Refreshing

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord….” Acts 3:19

            I received this short Scripture verse in the email the other day.  And a kept drifting back to this one partial sentence.  While it starts out with a warning (which many Scripture passages do), it ends with a great abiding promise.  That there will be times of refreshing. Times of refreshing.  I love that phrase.

            What is refreshing to you?

            An ice-cold drink of water on a hot summer day?  Maybe a much needed nap (yah, I know that one.).  The shade of a large oak tree.  Maybe a cup of hot chocolate in January (or even in March when it is cool outside, as it is as I write this).  Maybe a hot cup of coffee - such as I am sipping on now while sitting at the airport waiting for a flight. Maybe you find refreshment in listening to your favorite musical artist, or maybe engaging in your favorite hobby. Maybe it is found in being with your favorite people.

            My hope for you is that you would find refreshment…ultimately…in our Lord.  Through prayer and meditation, through Bible reading and study; through Christ centered fellowship.  Perhaps through serving Christ and his people.  Maybe in times of holy worship?

            Peter, in the passage above links “times of refreshing” with repentance and forgiveness. If we repent (regret our sin)…our sins are wiped out…. then there are times of refreshing….   I love that order.  I pray you do also.  It is the order of Christian life.  It is what Christ alone offers. 

            I pray you have accepted that offer.  And enjoy the refreshing.