Read Acts 3:11-26

“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)

What a wonderful phrase! Times of refreshing. The word for refreshing is only used once in the entire New Testament as inspired by the Holy Spirit, which leads us to unpack its meaning with additional curiosity.

In the Greek, the root word found within means soul or breath. When combined with its Greek prefix, the more literal sense of the word meant to have an uplifted soul or a recovery of breath. We all know what it feels like to need a recovery of breath, don't we? Whether after swimming underwater or having to pause from a sprint, physically we are obligated to restore oxygen into our bodies. The experience of recovering our breath is both wanted and needed. In the same manner, we welcome the joy of having our souls uplifted by good company or a charitable deed. Times like these are life giving experiences.

And this is the very spiritual experience that one receives when they come to Christ. New life! A breath of fresh air! An uplifted soul! Oh! — what a transcendent experience to have your sins blotted out once and for all by the work of the cross! And what joy to have a spiritual life that finally allows you to catch your breath! This is what Jesus offers to every weary soul.

But we must not think that this is a one time experience only reserved for the moment of our conversion. Scripture clearly tells us here that this refreshment is defined, not by a single time, but by times. Notice the plural. It's not about getting saved, but about being saved. It's not meant to come as a sparing act of God, but to come as a continual act of God. This is the beautiful promise of the gospel message to us. The forgiveness of Christ washes over us like waves which never stop rolling onto shore. And God has intended that we be continually refreshed by these waves of joy in our salvation.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1–3)

We must also realize that this refreshment — this revival of the soul — is not something we can earn or manufacture ourselves. Revival doesn't originate from us, and it never will. It must come and only ever come from the presence of the Lord. There are far too many ways that we can engineer what appears to be a revival of the soul. Unfortunately, we see this frequently in churches across our country who play with people's emotions on a massive scale and then call it revival. But true revival can only ever come from Christ alone.

Therefore, as we rest in Christ, grapple with His Living Word, and share His love with others — knowing that we ourselves are forgiven and our sins blotted out — there is refreshment available for our souls. But when we start to forget these things, Christianity feels like religious politics rather than a breath of fresh air. What a shame! — that so many Christians live dry and barren lives when Christ has intended them to live refreshed and fruitful lives.

Beloved, my prayer is that we would be excited and expectant of such times of refreshing. I believe this is how Christ intended the Christian life to be experienced. Is this your experience?

“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring…” (Isaiah 44:3)

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