Be Refreshed by Maddie Minish

Refresh: give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate

Synonyms: recharge, recreate, regenerate, rejuvenate, renew, repair, revitalize

Antonyms: dispirited, drained, exhausted, tired, weak, 

After researching my word “refresh”, can I just tell you how much I love it?? ha! How sweet is it that God wants to recharge us, renew us, repair us, strengthen us, revitalize us, regenerate us. 

Who here is exhausted, dispirited, drained, and tired? 2020 has been H E A V Y. The news is draining, Facebook, Twitter, and sadly Instagram is dispiriting, conversations with friends are heavy. But can I tell you what I have loved about 2020? I have been HOME with ZERO plans. I used to live an hour from my work, had two bible studies a week, had supper club, had family nights at the in laws, had hang outs, work commitments and I was TIRED. And you know what else was tired? My spirit. I was so busy  that my spirit and relationship with the Lord was weak. 

I crack up reading that top paragraph because I had a baby in February and I had no idea what tired was. BUT from bring home these past months, my spirit is lightening for the first time in over a year. I no longer have distractions or a million commitments. My only job became keeping this baby alive. Although my sleep has gone from 8 hours a night to 3, my spirit is refreshing. Depression is lifting. I am missing church and community, my heart for missions is returning, and dare I say I I may dust off my sewing machine. I feel light and energized. 

Yes, the world is so heavy, but Jesus lightens the burdens. 2020 can still be refreshing. Beth Moore once said, “Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is close our eyes and surrender to God.” When the world becomes too much, all we need to do is close our eyes and surrender. Refreshment is coming! 

Psalms 3 is a song written by David. His son just tried to kill him (not very light and refreshing, right?) and he is fleeing. This is what he says:

Psalm 3

1 Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2.Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”
3.But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4.I call out to the Lord
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5.I lie down and sleep
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6.I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7 Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.

David was disheartened and dispirited. BUT THE LORD SUSTAINED HIM. He slept (refreshed, rested, rejuvenated) because he knew who God was and that he would deliver him. David knew what God promised to him and he TRUSTED him. Refreshment came when he surrendered and rested. 

Maybe your tiredness isn’t a million bible studies and activities. It may be a sickness, a loss of a loved one, crippling anxiety, or the unknown of this year. What can we do to find God’s refreshment? Sometimes doing nothing is the bravest and most rejuvenating act of faith we can offer God. Rest, sleep, breathe. God created us to have LIFE and have it abundantly! John 10:10 says, “The Thief comes to only steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

I wish the solution to all my problems was sleep. But I know that the more I am in the Word the more peace and refreshment I receive. I begin to know Him more, trust Him more, and learn of His promises. If we don’t know who God is, how are we to just “Be”? When we know God’s Word and spend time with him day by day, refreshment comes easier because we know God has it. I encourage you to surrender today and rest. God wants to refresh you more than anything so that you may be a light to others!

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Maddie Minish

Maddie Minish is a West Texas native with a love for women’s ministry, missions, and finding the next best dry shampoo. Maddie is a pastor’s wife and new momma. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion from Liberty University, has worked for numerous churches in various mission and community-centered roles, has served abroad as a missionary, and recently worked for a church staffing and consulting agency. Maddie is currently a stay-at-home mom taking care of her 23-pound 6-month old, Baby Hank. She spends her free time reading, crafting, and trying to convince her fantasy football team to let her trade for Patrick Mahomes (Wreck ‘em Tech!).

1. What you’re reading right now.

I am reading three books right now. “Stop Calling Me Beautiful” by Phylicia Masonheimer which is about women discipleship and getting deeper into the gospel. Y’all. If you aren’t following her on Instagram, start today. She’s incredible and has reignited a passion for theology in me. The book is a must-read. I am reading “Risen Motherhood” By Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler which is a book of encouragement for moms wanting to live out the gospel daily while parenting. Great Instagram too. Lastly, I am reading “Techwise Family” by Andy Crouch. It is about putting technology in the right place with your children. Let’s just say I’m convicted 

2. What you’re loving right now.

I have been on a health journey for a little over a year and I am loving the Peloton fitness app. It’s $13 a month and has incredible at-home workouts that are customizable to you. I also love Half Baked Harvest for yummy healthier recipes.

3. What you’re watching right now.

I just finished watching The Last Dance which is a documentary series on Michael Jordan. I don’t care about basketball in the slightest and this was soooo good. It’s on Netflix.

4. The attribute of Gods character you’re experiencing most right now.

This is a new one for me. I have been experiencing God’s provision. We went from a double income no kids household to single income with a kid during the pandemic 

 God has provided for us over and over again and I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude. I have loved this season of being home and thankful God provided it for my family!