Refresh Her

Refresh: to give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate, revive, restore, renew.

In John chapter 4, we meet a woman who is like many women today. She has lived a full life, no stranger to responsibility, and possibly more familiar with disappointment than she’d like. She likely knows the phrases, "I’m tired," "I’m overwhelmed," or "I need a break." Despite seeing victories and fulfilled promises, she is still thirsting for something more.

This woman has used up all her strength on everyone else and has a void that nothing she encountered before could fill. Her husband, or in this case her multiple husbands, never filled it. She probably had children, and despite her love for them, they never filled it. The day-to-day tasks of keeping a home, cleaning, and cooking never filled it. It’s probable, based on her conversation with Jesus, that she practiced some form of organized religion by celebrating festivals, performing rituals, and regularly attending synagogue, but still, there was an emptiness in her heart.

Take a moment and ask yourself, am I like this woman? Do I feel empty, frustrated, burned out, or weak? If your answer is yes, it’s okay because God has a plan to bring refreshment to your life, and His name is Jesus. Just like the woman at the well, the answers and revitalization we need are found through talking with Jesus.

For this woman, one meaningful, challenging conversation with Jesus changed everything. This is what God wants for us — divine encounters that change the way we frame our earthly experience. Nothing about the circumstances of this woman’s life changed naturally, but somehow where she was depleted, energy rose within her. Where she was weak, she found new strength. Where she was thirsty, she found herself refreshed.

She was open with Jesus. She expressed her desire for living water, didn’t try to hide her faults, boldly asked questions about what she didn’t understand, and walked away with a revelation that exceeded all she knew before. She left so full, so refreshed that she dropped the water pot she came with and ran to tell the town about this man who filled her cup. She exchanged an opportunity to fill up a natural vessel for the chance to become a vessel filled with God’s spirit.

Sometimes when we feel depleted, we run to whatever fills our natural cup — food, TV, shopping, time with friends, or church and community activities. But God is usually there at the place where we often draw temporary fulfillment, seeking to offer us the living water we need to refresh our souls. So the next time you’re lacking strength and your energy is fading, put down that water pot and have a little talk with the one who knows how to eternally fill and refresh you.

Ignite Her Prayer

Father, I come to you admitting my need for living water. When I’m feeling depleted and my strength is fading, Holy Spirit, remind me that Jesus is able to refresh me. Forgive me for looking for any other source to fill me up. You are the source of strength and revival in my life. Thank you for giving me the access to talk with you daily. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

-Adrianna Casella