Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints

 

Have you ever questioned what it was you were supposed to be doing?

I’m a doer. I’m busy. My husband chides me because I can’t seem to turn my mind off. Sometimes, in our family, it is difficult for my husband and my children when I get focused on doing. Doing school, doing chores, doing good works, doing relationships, doing, doing, doing.

In the last few months, the Lord has been working on my heart in this area. On several occasions, my youngest daughter has come and stood in the doorway of my studio. Usually, I’m neck deep in schedules, plans, emails, fabric and pattern pieces. Any mom understands when I say that when I’m able to carve out time to get things done, I can be almost manic in order to accomplish something with that time. So, what do I do with that little grin and those great big eyes?

The hopeful voice that implores, “Mummy, will you play a game with me?”

pause…

“No. Not now. Maybe later.”

“In five/ten/fifteen minutes.”

“When I’m finished this.”

“After you do that.”

Do any of these answers sound familiar? When you read them, can you see the fallen countenance? Do the sad eyes follow you? Does the disappointed but resigned voice resonate in your heart?

Consider now the brilliant eyes and huge smile that rewards your, “Yes, I have time for you.”

There are times when we have to say no but my point is this: in your life,do the people around you know their value to you?

Philemon 7

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

When I read this verse the other day, it was as though a huge burden had been lifted from me and my heart was filled with joy and new motivation.

God’s Word says that when I love, I bring others joy and encouragement. If I love, I can refresh the hearts of God’s people. Refresh the hearts of God’s people. Refresh the hearts of God’s people.

Of all of the busy things I do, which of them refresh the hearts of those around me? I can’t think of a single one aside from investing myself in loving those around me. Loving may look different to different people but the result is the same. Love brings joy. Love encourages. Love refreshes.

1 Thessalonians 4: 18

Therefore, encourage one another with these words.

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Starting today, right now, are you ready to take off the burden of doing and cover yourself and those around you with the joy, encouragement and refreshing of living for God’s love?