Have you ever felt like your soul just needed a good washing? How many times I’ve felt that way. If you’ve ever felt this way, don’t think it is unusual. We are in this world but not of it. Sometimes there are things that, if we are not discerning, we open the door to. It pays to seek the Lord at all times and ask the question… Why am I not experiencing God’s presence right now?
When you know it is His will for you to live in that place and also know that Jesus is your greatest example — as He lived in the absolute reality of God’s presence continually. There should be no reason for you NOT to live in this kind of awareness and sensitivity to God. Knowing this, you ask for wisdom and discernment to navigate through it—finding your life, love, and freedom. Don’t settle for less. Don’t make excuses. God is not a respecter of persons. There are no “superstars” in the Kingdom of God. His glory and Spirit are there for every one of us.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
Part of being in this world does mean we get around things that can be somewhat messy, sometimes very messy. This is why it is important for us to realize our utmost dependence upon the presence of God for our lives. As we live in His presence, we experience a continual river of the Spirit. This is something that is learned, not automatic. Although this is always available to us, we still must learn how to access that washing and refreshing of the pure waters of heaven for our lives. As we grow, there is the need to be quick to repent. Just as when David was rebuked, he didn’t make excuses, unlike Saul. He took responsibility for his actions.
This is part of living the refreshed life—being transparent and honest with the Lord. We need refreshing all the time as we live in this world. Every day we need to drink of the river of His pleasures to experience that refreshing. God realizes all of these dynamics that press in against us. But the power that He releases within us is greater than the pressure coming from the outside.
They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. Psalms 36:8
There are times when it comes easy, and then there are times you must press in, seek the Lord, and set your heart to break through into the refreshing presence of God. There are also times when you must take your authority in Christ and break off oppression. Sometimes it is simply casting down vain imaginations—being cognizant of thoughts that need to be dealt with. As you learn the Word of God, you measure every thought against the truth of His Word. If it doesn’t line up, put it in the spiritual trash bin.
All of God’s promises are true—the devil is a liar and the father of lies. The Holy Spirit is given to you as He is the One who is given to inhabit you. God has created us to be temples that overflow with His Spirit.
God has an Abundance of Gifts to Give
Just as Jesus was a carrier of God’s Presence, so are we. We need the holy water of the Spirit to wash in and through our lives. This is the reality of heaven people are thirsty for. Jesus didn’t come to give people a ticket to heaven just to say, “See you later!” Jesus came to quench the spiritual thirst of our hearts—to be the real food and drink for our lives. He came to set us free from the spirit of this world, to drive out all oppression, and wash us so that we would shine with the brightness of His glory.
How can you experience God’s refreshing? First of all, you must admit you need it. If you are dry, don’t put on a spiritual mask and pretend to be something you are not. The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the great pretenders. Don’t be that. Be willing to lose your reputation, dignity, and pride. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Have faith, knowing that His refreshing presence is there for you. Wait in His presence. Spend time in prayer and worship. Do this while positioning your heart to receive from Him. Sow to the Spirit and reap life!
God has an abundance of gifts to give—refreshing is a regular deposit. Don’t sell yourself short of heaven’s best for your life. Learn to enjoy hanging out with God wherever you are. Whether you are in a room alone, on the road, or with others—learn to be conscious of His Presence.
The Lord is there with you. Renew your mind in His Word. Make Him your highest meditation. Make Him the priority. Seek Him first. God is good. He only has good in store for you.
Say, “Come, Holy Spirit—change me, wash me, refresh me, and make me more like Jesus!”
John Belt
