REFRESHING RENEWAL

SPRING 2025 ISSUE | 6 minute read

All living organisms need refreshing from time to time. Nothing is more renewing for a dry field than a springtime rain or for a weary young mother than a nap in a quiet recliner. God created all beings with a limited capacity of strength and energy, so after a time of busyness, we find ourselves drained and in need of refreshing. Any living thing that refuses to engage in renewal will shrivel and die. “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) This is also true of our spirituality. 

The function of our church and our relationship with Christ requires seasons of refreshing. We work hard. We serve the Lord with diligence. Our ministries operate, at times, under lofty expectations and high pressure. Even Spirit-empowered and anointed leaders who give freely of themselves will find themselves in need of a fresh outpouring of a replenishing and resuscitating Spirit! Acts 3:19 mentions “times of refreshing that come from the Lord.” Oh, how we need this!

But let's recognize renewal is not automatic. Refreshing doesn't come to one's spirit without intentionality. In fact, the busyness of life and ministry can keep us assuming that we are refreshed when, in reality, we are bone dry! Jesus taught this when He called His disciples to come away with Him. They needed time to rest and reflect and pray and – be refreshed.  

Spring is the time to be renewed! Allow me to encourage every reader to be strategic about renewal. As we begin to see signs of Spring - the green leaves returning and flowers blooming and more daylight each day – let's do the things that bring spiritual and emotional renewal. Time in prayer, contemplation, and meditation are life-giving. The company of loved ones and old friends can be refreshing. A relaxing hobby or a little fishing trip can work wonders for the weary soul. Others write poetry or work in a garden. You must find what works for you, but whatever it is, do it.

Just as Spring is cyclical, our times of refreshing should also be cyclical. It may look like this: Daily, practice a quiet time alone with God. Take a Sabbath day weekly. Engage in a hobby at least monthly. Take a vacation annually.

But there is a problem. Almost everyone I know would say that there is one element that prevents these times of renewal: not enough time! I contend that the problem is not that we don't have enough time. The problem is that we don't manage our time wisely. Before anyone tries to defend their busy schedule, each of us finds enough time to spend on nonessential things such as social media, gaming, or watching sports. If we are honest, each of us has enough time to take care of our spiritual and emotional well-being if we will steward our time well. 

Jesus spoke of new wine, new life, and new beginnings; you and I are not exempt from these spiritual principles. Please accept this warning from someone who has experienced it. If you do not take time to be refreshed, you and others around you will pay for it. You will find yourself depleted and empty. You will lose your joy. Work will be harder. Your productivity will be reduced. Frustration will be high.

Don’t wait until these signs start to manifest. Take time today to plan your seasons of refreshing. Write down your plans and share them with a loved one – for accountability. Take time, right now to read aloud these refreshing words: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” (Psalms 23:2-3a) Ask the Lord to help you prioritize your renewal. And begin to dream about what a refreshed lifestyle may look like. Steven Hall says, “Every single cell in the human body replaces itself over a period of seven years. That means there’s not even the smallest part of you now that was part of you seven years ago.” What will your spiritual and emotional life look like in 7 years?

If God has His way, you'll be strong and fresh and productive, and ready to go until He returns. That sounds good, doesn't it?

Bishop Rick Whitter
State Administrative Bishop
Virginia Church of God State Office