A retreat! I love those words. We all need a retreat from time to time to refresh and renew us. For some it may be a bubble bath at the end of a long day, a good book, a cup of tea, a workout at the gym or a long weekend getaway. Of course for most of us, our favorite retreat places in the summertime are the beaches or mountains! But every day can be a joyful retreat that refreshes, renews and restores us and leaves a lasting impression on those around us.
I rejoice at your word like one who discovers great treasure. —Psalm 119:162
SOAK:
Read: Hebrews 4:12 and Psalm 19:7-11.
These verses paint a great word picture of how God’s Word is a spa for our soul and spirit. God’s word is like fresh water flowing over our hearts and souls, refining and smoothing out the rough edges. Healing balm to our wounded and weary hearts. It is a retreat we need to head to every day and enjoy the refreshing presence of God that leaves us changed and renewed. Take a look!
Rejuvenates:
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is living and active. These words actually mean “to have life, be alive” and “energy, capable of doing, power, engaged in work”. God’s Word is energy to our souls and spirits. It is actively working in us to bring about real life! It’s rejuvenating when we are tired, weary, distraught, overwhelmed, fearful, worried or burdened.
Reveals:
We also read in the verse in Hebrews 4:12 that God’s Word judges the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It’s like an exfoliation for our hearts and souls. It exposes areas of wrong thinking, wrong attitudes, and areas where the enemy has taken us captive in our thoughts. It reveals areas of our lives that are not wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus.
Revives:
Did you notice the ways God’s Word is described in Psalm 19:7-11? Go back and take another look. It says it is reviving the soul, enlightening the eyes, rejoicing the heart, making wise, and tastes sweeter than honey. These are great mental word pictures for us of the rejuvenating and reviving power of God’s Word in our lives.
When we are in the Word of God —reading, studying and meditating upon it— we are able to recognize the lies that are keeping us captive, the lies that are hindering our growth, areas we need to surrender and Truth we need to apply and live out. God uses it to expose and then restore so we reflect Jesus more.
Renews:
Read Romans 12:1-2. We are transformed (changed) as we renew our mind in God’s Word. This enables us to discern God’s will. He changes our attitudes, thoughts, words and actions —all through the power of His Spirit at work within us and His powerful and energizing word of Truth.
Could you use some rejuvenation in your life? Do you need to be refreshed in your soul and spirit? Spend some time today renewing your mind and reviving your heart and soul in God’s Word.
During your praise time, make the closing verses of Psalm 19 your prayer:
Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Spend some time reflecting on the verses from today and on the fact that God’s Word is joy to our souls!
It’s my prayer that through this series we will, “from the rising of the sun to its setting”, focus on and praise our amazing God! We’ll take the Word for the day and think about it, ponder it, pray it and practice it. We’ll allow it to really SOAK into our hearts and lives. And then we’ll SHINE — boast, rave, praise and celebrate God’s presence in our lives, reflecting Jesus to those around us.
©2014 Susan Cady, susancady.com
WOW! This “spa retreat” for my soul and spirit is one that I want/need to run to each day! Also, this “spa” is one that I don’t have to pay money for renewal but one in which I will discover great treasure!
Rejuvenate, Reveal, Revive, and Renew me and each person in this study, Lord! Your “spa” is the only one that gives lasting results and is always open 24 hours a day!!! Thank you for caring for each one of us, Lord!