Advent Adventure

Refreshment Break

“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:17-19)

If you travel along the M4 into Wales you will see a number of signs that say, Gwasanaethau (Services). In Germany or Austria they are called Autobhof  and I recall in Poland in 1988 seeing a sign that said autostrad, although in the later case it comprised of a rough parking area and a shack.

Each is in their place with the aim of refreshing the would-be traveller. However, whilst the signs indicate where we may receive refreshment, unless we stop for a while at such places we will become hungry and thirsty on our journey.

Refreshment means restoring strength, energy and vigour. A light snack is sometimes referred to as a ‘refreshment’. Physical refreshment can also come, for example, from sleep, rest, or exercise.

Paul tells Philemon that he has ‘refreshed the hearts of the saints’ (Philemon 7). Later on in the letter, Paul asks him to ‘refresh my heart in Christ’ (v.20). But how do we refresh our minds, hearts and souls? Of course, if we are travelling an unfamiliar route, it is more than helpful to have a guide, one who knows the best places to stop, rest and refresh. We have such a one in Jesus. Remember he said to his followers, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:18 Common English Version)

Jesus travels with us offering the gift of refreshed life in abundance – but we all too often remain choosy about the packaging in which his message is showcased (too ‘churchy’ – or too worldly)…if only we took to prayer, we might find our hearts becoming more open and truly refreshed.

Father, we come to you for we realise our need when we are drained of energy, distracted from purpose, and drowning in expectations. Rescue us from endless fatigue, aimless pursuit and comparison. Take the loads we carry and replace them with Your peace. We enter Your presence, ready to be quiet, and stand in awe of Your greatness, Your holiness, Your power.

Grant us a refreshed spirit and a renewed mind so we may see You, and the world around us. Restore our joy and give us eyes for Your presence in us and around us. May we, if just for a moment, take our gaze from: our problems, our busyness, our burdens and give it to you. We lay our whole selves on the altar in this moment. Teach us to surrender a greater and greater portion of our lives, our hearts to You. We trust in: Your will, Your way, Your timing.

Build the courage to depend on You, to know where we’re going, to know what’s best, to be in control. Mould us, our lives until we are conformed to You. Ground us in Your promises. Lead us in Your love. Realign our lives to Your path, Your purpose. We praise You for being the God who: hears, sees, knows. Us. Kindle a new fire in our spirits today, Lord. Let us walk only toward You. Amen.