Restore and Refresh

“In the race of life, God our heavenly Father has come alongside us through the Person of the Holy Spirit. And when we think we can't go one more step, He puts His everlasting arms around us and gently walks with us to the finish."   Anne Graham Lotz

Yesterday, my blog article spoke to the fact that in my own "busyness" I recently experienced somewhat of a temporary spiritual depletion.  Desperately needing uninterrupted time alone with God, my focus turned to Him.  At that moment the refreshment to my soul began. Like a stream of cool water flowing over me on a hot summer day, I felt His presence, peace, and love in an amazing way.  There is no doubt that even as big as God is, He is always concerned about each of us individually.  After all, we are His creation and we DO need His help to get through this life.  

In the quote above, we are reminded that God has provided the Holy Spirit to be with us at all times. During times when we struggle to keep going, He is there to lead us to quiet, green pastures.  The quote also reinforces God's promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us; that we are never alone through our spiritual depletion, or the trying circumstances and struggles of life, no matter what they may be.  When we trust God to restore and refresh us spiritually, He never fails to do so.  Since His mercies are new every morning, these times of spiritual depletion don't have to last.  We serve a great and powerful God who is near to us at all times. He is as close as the mention of His name.  His greatest desire is that we call on Him to be the only Father who will never fail us.  He cannot fail because He is God!

"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God." Psalm 42:1

"Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."  Lamentations 3:23

Prayer:  Father God, I love You and thank you for this beautiful day.  May it be a day that is not wasted, but used to live by example as we strive to show others who You are. Father, help each person reading these words trust in You today for the strength to keep going. Please bring peace, love, joy, and the comfort that You are so gracious in giving to Your children.  Restore, refresh, and renew each of us today.  This I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.