Three Simple Ways to Experience Spiritual Refreshment
Transforming Truth: Spiritual Refreshment
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.” –Exodus 23:12
My husband and I have always loved hiking. Before we had children, we did a fair amount of backpacking as well. My favorite part is taking strategic stops along the way to soak in breathtaking views, radiant wildflowers, and the occasional appearance of wildlife. These short breaks to snap photos and enjoy the scenery usually provided sufficient rest so we could press on to our intended destination.
Once we had children tagging along, taking breaks on hikes became more critical. Along with our own fatigue, we were also attending to their varying needs, which meant slower progress and more frequent stops. Still, we made it our goal to enjoy our hikes, and rest was a vital part of that experience. As young adults, our daughters still love to hike!
Every physical journey requires times of rest to regroup and restore physically and mentally. It’s no different with our spiritual journey. If we’re running full steam ahead ourselves and constantly pouring out to others without being refilled, we can quickly run out of gas and find ourselves depleted and empty. Sound familiar?
The good news is that God created us to rest as well as work. Not simply sleeping enough hours every night, but intentional rest from the constant striving that has become the norm in our culture.
God provided the first example of intentional refreshment: He rested on the seventh day after six days of creation. Later, He instructed Israel to follow His example (Exodus 31:17). Intentional rest serves both physical (Exodus 23:12) and spiritual purposes (Psalm 42:1-2).
Jesus also instructed us to find release from our burdens and restoration in Him:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:28-29
When I find myself running on empty, I take an honest look at my daily routines. Most of the time, I can pinpoint what habits of spiritual refreshment have fallen through the cracks because I’ve allowed the busyness of life to rule my days.
Last month, I wrote about why morning time with the Father became an essential part of my recovery from mental health struggles. However, you don’t have to be a morning person to reconnect with the Lord for spiritual refreshment.
Try making some simple adjustments to your daily routine, such as:
- Reading a Devotional: I love having a devotional book on my nightstand to start my morning with the Lord. Unlike a Bible study, a devotional provides Scriptures and a related message to meditate on for the day — no homework required. If you’re like me and often find yourself needing to quiet your mind in the evenings, you can add a second devotional reading time before you go to sleep.
- Listening to Worship Music: Scripture tells us that musical worship provides spiritual refreshment (1 Samuel 16:23, Psalm 28:7). David is a prime example of someone who regularly used music to restore his spirit and quiet his anxiety, as illustrated throughout the Psalms. I created several worship playlists that I listen to and sing along with during my morning routine, on my anxiety-relieving walks, and any other time of the day when I need to stop and regroup.
- Thanking the Lord in Writing: It may sound cliché, but I have found that recording your gratitude to God daily can change you from the inside out. When I started struggling with physical anxiety, the process of recording God’s gracious gifts daily, intentionally, was particularly healing and restorative for me. Give thanks with a grateful heart (1 Timothy 4:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18), and your outlook will change!
When times are tough, seeking spiritual refreshment is even more critical. We’re in a real spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12-13), and we need all the strength that God has promised to provide when we take time out to be restored by Him. Let’s follow His example and guidance as laid out in Scripture and make spiritual refreshment a priority in our daily routines.
Nighttime Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that You showed us from the beginning of creation that rest is a part of the rhythms You created. It’s easy to forget that my spirit needs refreshment just as my physical body needs rest. I pray for the wisdom to develop routines that refresh my spirit throughout the day, and make time to intentionally rest before I burn out. Thank You for the eternal spiritual rest You provided for us through our Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
- What makes it hard for you to find time for spiritual refreshment?
- What brings you spiritual refreshment? Is it something you can practice more regularly?
- What are some ways you can take more intentional rest to be restored by the Lord when life gets busy?
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Join the Conversation:
Are you running full steam ahead lately and constantly pouring out to others without being refilled? Does it feel like you’re running out of gas and are becoming depleted and empty? What are some ways you find rest and refreshment from the Lord when you’re feeling this way? Share your reflections in the comments below. I’d love to pray for you!
*This devotional was published on Crossmap.com as part of the Daybreak Devotions series.
