Articles
Refreshed
This time of year, when the weather is warm, people like to be refreshed. Whether it be a cold treat or a large glass of lemonade, we want something to cool us off. To be refreshed is to return to a state of not being hot, tired, and fatigued. It is to be given a fresh start again. In other words, we are cooled off, energized, and ready to get going. Other similar words would be revive, return, or restore.
The soul can become downtrodden. In a world which seems to often be opposed to God, we can start feeling tired and burned out. But this is nothing new. King David had times when he needed to be refreshed. This becomes quite apparent when reading the Psalms. In particular, Psalm 19 shines as a Psalm about being refreshed. Consider Psalm 19:7-11.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
When some people hear words like law, commandment, precepts, and rules they think of something burdensome and oppressive. However, this Psalm reflects on how the laws of God revive the soul. To a weary soul, the commandments of God are refreshing and restorative.
We all need to be refreshed from time to time. When you sense that you need to be recharged, turn to that which is “sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10b). You won’t be disappointed.
