18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
Imagine that, the great Christian Paul needing refreshing in his spirit. One of the most difficult lessons that any Jesus-follower needs to learn is that we all need others. Everyone gets depleted spiritually at points in their life. It could be in conjunction with an illness or a loss, a thwarted goal or a missed opportunity, a grave injury to a relationship, or a well-thought-out choice to neglect your spiritual needs. No matter what the cause, we all get down spiritually at times. We all need someone to put their arms around our shoulder and listen. We all need the encouragement of the Scriptures. Today as you travel your journey, look for those who appear to be drained. They might be hiding that weariness under bitterness or a prickly exterior, so look for it with the eyes of the Spirit. Reach out to them with a word or gesture that conveys the encouragement of Jesus. If you need some encouragement, go to someone who has been helpful to you in the past and ask for help. Tell them what is going on and be ready to receive a message of hope from Jesus Himself. Get into the Scriptures. I hope this blog is not the only source of spiritual sustenance you are receiving. If it is, you will starve to death. Only the Word can truly satisfy. Bible studies and fellowship groups can be helpful, but they are no substitute for your personal digesting of the Word. God wants to speak directly to your spirit through the Scriptures. Slow down and read the Scriptures with the understanding that God wants to speak. And when you find someone who does pour into your life, tell them. Give them the recognition they deserve. That might be the encouragement they need at that moment.
The Arnold Journey 