One of the many ways that I find refreshment is through a tall, cold, glass of tea.  As I sip it, it gives me time and space to think, reflect, and re-group.  It is something that I seek many times a day, no matter what the weather.  All of us have things, places, or people that bring refreshment to our lives.  We find renewal, vigor, and energy.  But how often do we allow ourselves the space and time to refresh?

     The bible is full of passages that speak of our need to be refreshed, and in whom we ultimately find it.  One of my favorite images of refreshment is found in Psalm 23:1-3,

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name sake.  (NRSV)

     All that we need for health and life is found in him.  Our Lord provides for our refreshment both physically and spiritually.  But we need to let him lead and guide, for he knows us best.  Sometimes we seek refreshment in things that do not satisfy or bring true health to our soul.  Isaiah 55:1-3 encourages us to follow him to be refreshed,

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.  Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.  (NRSV)

     A vital part of our refreshment is found in just spending time with God.  Be it through prayer, bible reading, in worship, or solitude.  It is in those times that we are reinvigorated, energized, healed, and empowered.  Isaiah 40:31 says,

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (NRSV)

How is it that you seek to be refreshed?  Where has the Shepherd led you to find refreshment?

Picture: Refreshment, by jpockele