“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Most of us look forward to a break on the weekend, a long vacation, or even just a moment to ourselves for a time to recharge and reboot. Most of us would not list repentance as one of the more refreshing activities of life. We cringe when we think about admitting that we are wrong when it is easier to justify and excuse. The act of repentance feels often unnatural and uncomfortable, the opposite of refreshing. Repentance requires self-reflection and admission of our own inadequacies. It is easier to point the finger and say what is wrong with everyone and everything else. Repentance requires humility, admitting we need God’s help to restore us.
Often our ideas of refreshment are short-lived. Eventually our vacation ends, and we must go back to the daily grind of work. True refreshing comes after repentance not because we have a break from the hard realities of life but because we stand in the presence of the One who knows all our shortcomings and has done something about it. He restores and renews what is broken instead of taking a break from it. He can handle all your sin, all your wrong motivations, and all your struggles. Lasting refreshment comes from the Lord as we invite Him into our mess, confess our sins, and trust Him to restore us as only He can.
- When was the last time you recognized and admitted you were wrong about something? When was the last time you came to God in repentance?
- What is the hardest part of repentance for you?
- Take time for repentance before God as needed, asking Him to restore and refresh your soul.
