Refreshed By the Spirit's Movement
With the beginning of the fall season comes beautifully colored trees and a breath of fresh air! This morning, there was such a good breeze that I opened all the windows in the house, creating a vortex of fresh air crossing from room to room. Before long, the whole house smelled so clean and fresh. As I sat there enjoying how good the house smelled, I noticed an overwhelming sense of internal cleansing in my soul.
This feeling reminded me of when I used to hang my clothes out to dry in the sun. When you gathered them off the clothesline, they smelled so good! I still hang coats and shirts and lay bed pillows outside on days like today because the fresh air gives them a boost of freshness. The pillows feel fluffier and the musky clothes feel welcoming and ready to wear.
As I sat there on the porch, I could not help but think about how wonderful the Holy Spirit refreshes me. It is like opening the windows of my heart and mind, letting the Holy Spirit weave His way deep within my soul. I closed my eyes and listened for sounds that fulfilled my spirit, like my son’s windchimes clinging, or the birds chirping, or even the tap-tap-tap of the rain on the roof. The rain smelled so clean. The wind was a little cool and crisp and made the trees rustle in the sky. Oh, what a feeling of renewal, peace, joy, and contentment. Feelings I have not felt lately suddenly come rushing into my soul.
The chill in the air brings in a new season where the leaves turn red and golden, falling to the ground. The leaves will leave for a season, but they will come back in the Spring. God always makes sure of that. The leaves must fall from the tree to be renewed later, just like our old habits and burdens must fall off us so that God can do a new work in us.
I want this peace that I feel today to continue. How? I am so glad you asked! Everyday steal away five minutes of time just for YOU! As a mother, you have served everyone else a slice of you during the day and now feel exhausted. But intentionally take a slice of YOU for yourself. Find a hiding place, a closet, a room where you can close the door, close your eyes, and meditate on God’s goodness. I promise you that when you leave, you will feel much better than when you went in! In John 3, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the need to be born again. In verse eight, Jesus compares the movement of the Holy Spirit to unseen wind. You cannot see wind, but you can hear it and see the effects that the wind produces. A person who is spiritually regenerated produces fruit of the Spirit.
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:12 KJV
And for those who feel like they cannot take time for themselves, take it anyway. The world will still spin and the housework and kids will be there when you finish your little get-away. I used to tell my boys that ‘mama needs a time out.’ They would laugh and try to figure out what I had done wrong lol. But taking the time to meditate on God in my hiding place would always make me feel better, thereby making me a better mother. And if you feel like you have had it and cannot go on, lift your hands in the air, and praise Him right where you stand! You will be surprised how you taking time to praise God in the chaos of the moment will minister to someone else.
As the fall begins to blow in, pay attention to yourself and abide in God’s presence. The fall will always come and go, but He never leaves! Please sit outside and breathe as you listen to this beautiful song that will stir the Holy Spirit inside of you.
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