How does God’s refreshing affect our lives in practical ways?
When God refreshes our circumstances, He may change old patterns involving our marriages, our finances, or our work. He may expose unhealthy spending patterns and convict us to change them. He may want to disrupt old patterns in our marriage, such as patterns that keep us stuck in unloving ways. He may even lead us to seek wisdom and counsel that can help us replace bad patterns and teach us to be wise stewards in whatever area he is pointing out.
Our Father is ready to refresh us with abundant grace every time we need it.
Then we have core refreshing, which goes beyond our circumstances to renew our souls, our lives, our inner being. This kind of refreshing flows not just into us but out of us. It fills us with joy for our marriages, for tithing and giving freely, and for facing difficult relationships with hope, courage, and energy.
In short, core refreshing causes us to anticipate every moment of life with Jesus. It stirs in us a heart that says, “I’m fully alive, not dreading the day. I’m thrilled to follow You, Jesus. You have made me bold, not fearful. Let me use this vast overflow of life for You!”
What is flowing out of you right now? Unbelief, grumbling, or fear? Or faith, hope, and love? Just as he did at the festival in Jerusalem, Jesus shouts to you to bring him your unbelief, your bitterness, and your fear. He wants to replace it with contentment and contagiousness, to move you from emptiness to fullness.
He has promised, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38, ESV).