2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Lamentations 1:1-2:22 ESV, Philemon 1:1-25 ESV, Psalm 101:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 26:20 ESV
Daily Verse: “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” (Philemon 1:7 ESV)
ANAPAUO (373): “Signifies to give intermission from labor, to give rest, to refresh so to recover strength. It signifies “to cause or permit one to cease from any labor or movement” so as to recover strength. It implies previous toil and care. Its chief significance is that of taking, or causing to take, rest.”[1]
Recover strength.
Paul writes to Philemon, master of Onesimus, who escaped for some reason. During Onesimus’s flight, he meets Paul, imprisoned in Rome, and places his faith in Jesus. Paul writes to Philemon, asking him to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ upon the escapee’s return.
Onesimus’s life change encourages fellow believers. Like Paul, once the refugee encountered Jesus, Onesimus became a new person, leaving his old ways behind as he became a source of refreshment to all who met him.
Refresh others.
When we encourage and uplift others’ faith journey, we refresh them. New believers in Jesus share an exuberance that spurs others onward. My favorite conversations happen with people eager to know more about Jesus. Experiencing life change through Christ creates a desire for more.
As with any journey, you will have times in the valley, moments when taking another step forward seem impossible. At low times in our walk with Christ, we need refreshing. One way we continue onward happens because of the encouragement of others.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25 ESV)
Refreshing others refresh us. Cheering people onto victory, watching as they conquer whatever mountain lay before them has a dual impact. Life change begins in the heart but takes place in the world. Everyone needs help staying the course; as people do, they inspire those around them.
Become a refresher today, and help others recover their strength. Pulling other people out of the valley will also encourage and uplift you. Blessing others blesses you.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 22) Thomas Nelson
