Times of Refreshing

Today’s Encouragement is, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19-20a ESV

Times of refreshing- 

Doesn’t that phrase bring to mind… contentment, joy, peace, relaxation, and happiness? 

And this time of refreshing… comes from the Lord! We don’t earn it or manufacture it… instead, He gives it! 

But… it comes after we repent; this means we turn away from our sin and toward Him. And as we turn away from our sin, God blots it out, never to be seen again nor to haunt us… erased, removed, and forgotten! 

We do not need to continue in a constant state of remorse and shame for our sin, because we are set free from that! Still, when we turn away from it, we then acknowledge our shame and remorse because sin is shameful; we are ashamed of our sin. But God! When we have repented, turned away from sin, and turned to the only Source of Hope, our loving Father… we can rest in this! “Times of refreshing” come when we turn from sin to God. 

My friend, sin brings misery. Its wages are death, rot, and horrific decay. We think we are ‘getting by okay’ and that God’s grace is sufficient to cover our intentional and habitual sin… but it is eating away at our souls! But we can repent, turn away, and turn to God; He will refresh us!

Father, Help us turn away, repent, and then enjoy freedom from shame and guilt… and enjoy the “times of refreshing” from You!

Lord I need You 
Matt Maher
https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA?si=fojRX8pgyNmXAon4