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 30:19-20a

As I check those little dates printed on food packages, I sometimes wonder if I’m past my ‘best by’ date, or if my ‘expiration date’ is near!

While I may choose to eat food that’s a bit past the indicated date, there’s no way to refresh it back to its original condition. And while I can take good care of my health, I can’t refresh it back to some earlier, ideal date.

But God is in the business of refreshing. His presence refreshes me when I worship, in my daily time with Him, and when I bring him my praises and my requests in prayer throughout the day. 

In the verse above, Peter ties refreshment to repentance, to turning back. Repentance is a change in direction, turning from our own way of doing things to God’s way. The more we turn away from thoughts and actions that harm, that increase anxiety, that are against God’s plan, and the more we turn back to His grace, His love and His care, the more we are refreshed. 

God is in the business of refreshing

And while we do have an earthly expiration date, we look forward to something more than refreshment. We look forward to that day when we are fully re-created to the fullness of joy and life He has promised, when every day is “best” and there’s never an expiration. 

Lord, life can be so hard. Refresh me. Remind me to turn to You often for your refreshing grace. Amen.