This week, as I wrote out a prayer in my journal, I invited God into a time of fellowship with me, for us to commune with each other. Then I intended to ask him, “May I be refreshed by our time together.”
Instead, I felt a spiritual compulsion and at the last moment I wrote, “May we be refreshed by each other.”
I was shocked. That seemed sacrilegious. I felt I was being forward, presumptuous, and even arrogant. How could a finite being tell his creator that he intends to offer refreshment to a sovereign deity?
So I asked him.
His answer was quick. “I am refreshed by the things you think.”
I was reminded to “take captive every thought” and think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (2 Corinthians 10:5 and Philippians 4:8). If God is to be refreshed by what I think, then what I desire to do is no small task.
By extension, I don’t think our opportunities to delight the divine are limited by what we think, but also by what we say and by what we do. These, however, are not to be tasks of obligation or duty, but rather acts of love.
May our thoughts, our words, and our actions be pleasing to God and refresh his spirit.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
Bogged Down Reading the Bible?
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.