Times of Refreshing: 7 Days in Acts 3:19Sample

Times of Refreshing

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.Acts 3:19

Who doesn’t want refreshment in their lives? Who doesn’t long to experience continual joy, hope, healing, strength, and purpose? Isn’t this the heart cry of humanity?

What would it be like for my whole being–spirit, soul, and body–to rest securely and have a continual sense of God’s refreshing presence amid the hills and valleys of life?

Peter’s words to the crowd gathered after the lame man’s healing speak to both the person seeking if there is a God and those who have walked at length with Lord Jesus. So wherever you find yourself, let’s explore his words together.

The Greek New Testament word for refreshing found in our study verse encourages our hearts:

Anapsyxis Greek-Meaning: A cooling or refreshing, a recovery of breath, a revival.

Oh, To catch our breath, to be revived in this hot and hectic world where the daily onslaught of news can be daunting, and everyday living can seem beyond challenging. Yet, in God’s refreshing presence is the fullness of joy King David wrote about, regardless of our circumstances Psalm 16:11.

The Biblical definition of refreshing that we find above brings particular strength to the Jesus follower as we know that the Holy Spirit—the third Person of the Trinity, God Himself—is the very breath of God who brings refreshing and revival to us. Indeed, the words translated as Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments mean a breath, to breathe, breeze, or wind.

Yes. A refreshing, deep breath of the Spirit is in order.

We need the Holy Spirit’s daily refreshing instead of our daily grind. We could use His victorious restoration of what the world and the devil have stolen from us. And finally, our souls long to experience His continual renewal into the image of Jesus instead of rehashing our same flaws and failures. Right?

As we study God’s Word together, you will notice there is no formula to follow. Has Jesus ever done anything the same way twice? However, there are principles in Acts 3:19 that can guide our path, cleanse our thoughts, renew our steps with purpose, and bring us to enjoy our Father’s open-armed embrace.

Let’s take a deep breath in Him and experience times of refreshing.