Daily Devotions

"Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
Acts 3:19

There is a difference between being busy for God and being refreshed by God.

Many believers faithfully attend church, serve in ministry, study Scripture, and care for others, yet quietly find themselves spiritually exhausted. They continue pouring out, but they have stopped allowing God to pour back into them.

Sabbatical invites us to ask an important question:

When was the last time I felt refreshed in His presence?

Not informed.
Not challenged.
Not convicted.
Not inspired.
Refreshed.

There are moments in our walk with God when His presence lifts burdens we have carried too long. His peace settles anxious thoughts. His joy strengthens weary hearts. His love reminds us that we are more than what we accomplish.
David understood this kind of renewal when he wrote:

"He restores my soul." Psalm 23:3

Notice that God does not merely assign work to our souls; He restores them.
Sometimes we become so focused on serving that we forget how to rest. We become so accustomed to carrying responsibilities that we fail to notice how tired we have become. Yet the Lord never intended His children to live disconnected from the refreshing power of His presence.
Refreshment is not found in doing more.

It is found in drawing near.
It is found in worship without hurry.
Prayer without agenda.
Scripture without pressure.
Silence without distraction.

The presence of God is not another task to complete. It is the place where weary hearts find strength again. Perhaps this sabbatical is not simply about taking a break from work. Perhaps it is an invitation to return to the well and drink deeply of God's presence.

Happy Sabbatical