So That Times of Refreshing May Come...
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 11:58AM 
Greetings, Friends! Susie Larson here...
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks giftcard to someone who posts on my blog, so leave a comment, share an insight, bless lots of folks, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend.
Now on to my topic...
First of all, I want you to know how much I love hearng from you and I do my best to respond personally to every post on this blog. But twice now in the past two weeks, I've sat down, spent all kinds of time writing out heartfelt personal responses (can you hear the violins?) only to have all of my responses disappear! Argh! So, I plan on sitting down again this Saturday and taking another crack at it. For some reason, a few of my replies posted, but most others did not. Anyway, hopefully we'll have that fixed by this weeknd.
I don't know about you but lately I've been going through my days feeling a low level of fatigue and weariness. I'm still enjoying great times of prayer in the morning and at night, but overall, I've lacked a spring in my step (no pun intended). I think for me it's because I'm on the homestretch of my speaking season, and for you, it may be for a different reason altogether. But the good news is, God is in the business of reviving and renewing and refreshing our hearts. We don't have to live under the weight of our weariness.
The other day my mentor approached me in church and she said, "Susie, I've been praying for you and I believe the Lord gave me a verse to pray for you. It's Acts 3:19, and it tells us to repent so that times of refreshing may come." She paused, chuckled, and said, "Not that you need to repent, but I do know God wants to bring times of refreshing to you." I chuckled back and said, "I'll take the whole verse. I can already think of a few things I need to bring before Him."
The next morning I opened to that verse and prayed through it. I paused, looked up and asked God to search my heart. He didn't have to search too far to lovingly point out areas in my life that needed cleansing and renewal. Lord, forgive me for forsaking the discipline of rest when you call me to it. Forgive me for going too far when I teased my husband the other day. Forgive me for asserting myself when You called me to die to myself. Forgive me for choosing to self protect when You've called me to lay my life down...On and on I went. I put my face in my hands and put my heart in His. I entrusted my whole soul to Him and humbly received His mercy and grace. He put me right once again. My soul felt light. My spirit more in tune. And my heart beat more passionately for the One I love.
Feeling bad about something isn't the same as repenting of our sin. It's far too easy to put off repentance in the same way we procrastinate doing the laundry. Eventually those dirty clothes pile up into one big heap and all you see is a mess that feels like it'll take forever to clean up. But thankfully, soul cleansing only takes a moment in God's presence.
God loves us deeply, constantly, and truly; even when we fail to get face to face with Him to find His grace when we need it. But we're the ones who miss out when we put off times of repentance. We miss out on fellowship, freedom, and renewed faith.
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away and so that times of refreshing may come (Acts 3:19).
I challenge you to try it next time you sit down for prayer. Pray Psalm 139, Search me, O God, and know (be intimately acquainated with) my heart. Test me and try my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me in Your everlasting way.
Then pause, and wait on the Lord. And remember, according to Romans 8:1, there is now, therefore, NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus. So approach Him with grace and humble confidence, knowing you have an advocate, a friend, and a Savior in Him. Come to terms with your need for Jesus. Own your sin, name it (don't make excuses for it), and then hand it over to Him. God cannot resist a humble repentent heart. In fact, He considers it one of the loftiest, most honorable places to live.
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place
with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts (Isaiah 57:15).
You are loved, treasured, and covered. Walk with Him like you believe it.
~Until next week
Reader Comments (17)
Susie, thank you and bless you for this timely message! I am praying to FINISH STRONG as I lead a small group of ladies through your "Balance That Works When Life Doesn't" book. Lives have been irrevocably changed through the power of the Word that you have presented in that book, and as we have broken down our flesh with an hour of Pilates before our discussion time, barriers and strongholds have been broken in Jesus name! Today I repent of "going through the motions" as I come towards the end of shepherding this small group. I need fresh oil and fresh anointing to carry out all that the Lord would have me do. I come before him humbly grateful and in need of his power. I have no business doing this. He is the only Way, Truth and Life. We only have 3 chapters left and I want them to hit home and stick!! Love you, bless you, huge hugs, Kari DeBerg
Susie, your posts inspire me and somehow, each blog that I read speaks into one of my many areas of need. I have been struggling with negativity lately and feel that I'm letting the negative things weigh me down. I know that my heart and mind need to be set upon Jesus so that I can be uplifted by Him. Maybe it's that I need to pray Psalm 139 so that He will reveal the things that I need to repent about. I tend to get caught up in what others think or say which can lead to more upset than necessary when really, the love of my Savior is so much more important than the negative thoughts and words of others. One thing that has been very positive lately that has helped me to re-focus is the community group that my husband and I are co-leading through our church. Each week I am reminded of how blessed I am to be surrounded by people who love the Lord so much! Now my challenge is to maintain that focus each day at work.
Susie,
I am so grateful you are feeling refreshed. I love how God uses mentors to speak a word in season. Isn't it wonderful?
His anointing is such a blessing! His anointing on you...His anointing on your mentor...wherever He is...beautiful! You display Him wonderfully!
I love you and pray for a fine finish on this season!!!
Kathy
Hi Susie,
I just discovered who you are a few days ago. A dear friend of mine heard you on the radio and told me that I had to find you. Already, your prayers on Facebook have encouraged my soul. Thank you and I look forward to praying over Psalm 139 today.
Our dear Father, thank you for giving Susie to us as a mentor. Continue to cause her tongue to speak words of truth, her eyes to see with your heart, her hands to work diligently bearing fruit as she lives out your calling for her, and her steps to lead her into all grace where your presence abounds. Thank you for building up your bride with living stones, fitting each precious member into the place you've created them to fill, bringing life to the other members and glory to you God. We praise you because your goodness is evident in Susie's life, and ours, as you make your home with the humble! Amen.
I ran smack into a brick wall today (metaphorically speaking!) and so needed these encouraging words! I'm choosing to "walk like I believe it." Thank you for setting the example!
A great reminder for anyone these days, but especially for those of us involved in busy ministry schedules. God can do great things when His people lead the way in "resting well".
Awesome post. This part was especially poignant to me today: "Forgive me for choosing to self protect when You've called me to lay my life down." Been so struggling with that lately with our decision to become foster parents and questioning if I'm really up to the heartbreak after heartbreak of losing kids when we want to be "for keeps" parents SO badly. God calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily...so, so, so hard but I know it's necessary. I should be honored that God has chosen us for this ministry, but if I'm completely honest, I'm kinda wanting to throw a tantrum of "I don't wanna" instead. Haha. Praying for a fresh touch for both of us! Love you!
Hi Susie,
I just want to say what a good reminder to us all to act upon this passage, especially when we hit that (brick)wall, and then we need to take Him at His Word and trust Him with His Truth, that He will grant that grace, and peace that passes all understanding.
Thank you so much for sharing what your friend wrote and for your faithfulness in the ministry, I enjoy listening to your encouraging words of wisdom on KFNW and thank God for you!
Love in Christ,
Donna Dagen
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your post! You expressed yourself so beautifully. God is so gracious and patient with us, no? So glad to know you get to listen to the show! Blessings in Christ to you!
Dear Liesl,
I cannot tell you how often you come to mind, how often you're on my heart. You truly are walking out the Gospel in a very real and sacrificial way. And there's nothing you can lay down for Him that He won't pick up and multiply back to you in some way, shape, or form. I know you know that, but I just wanted to remind you of how precious you are to God (and to us). He's got you. He'll hold you. He'll help you. One step at a time. And I believe, in due time, He'll beautifully fulfill the desires of your heart. Love you so.
Wick,
Great post. Thanks for sharing! We really do need to better learn the discipline of rest. It's one that we're always talking about, praying about, and doing our best to lay hold of. Bless you in your Kingdom work!
Dear Beck,
Thank you so very much for your sweet prayer of blessing! I so appreciate it. I know what you mean about hitting the wall. I'm telling you, pausing in the Lord's presence for a time of repentance and soul cleansing is exactly what I needed. I was so weary from a crazy few months of losing my dad, writing a book, daily radio, and speaking events. And yet, that time with the Lord put life right back into my soul. I want to stay in that still, small space where I'm His child first and foremost. It's my safest place. :) Bless you, dear one!
Dear Lindsay,
So nice to meet you! I'm grateful you've been blessed by the blog and Facebook posts. If you need some extra soul nourishment, check out the radio show (sometimes it's like we have church during that hour!). If you're not able to listen live from 3-4 CST each day (you can also listen online), you can listen to the podcasts of the show anytime. Go to: www.faithradionet.com and click on the "Live the Promise" page. We've had some powerful shows with Jim Cymbala (Brooklyn Tabernacle), John Eldredge, Beth & Jay Loecken (Passion to Action), Ann Voskamp, Lisa Bevere, Jeff Manion, and more. The show is all about deeper life in Christ. I pray it encourages you like it encourages us! So nice to meet you! Bless you!
Dear Kathy,
Thank you so much for being such a powerful prayer warrior on our behalf. We are truly grateful. And you are so right, God's word in due season changes everything. I'm absolutely amazed at how He has restored my soul and strengthened me for this last leg of the journey. Thanks for doing this journey with me! Bless you, cutie pie!
Dear Becky,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with me. I know how easy it can be to go negative, or to look down and see only how we fall short. But thankfully, God provides new mercies every morning because He knows we need them. And it's amazing how quickly peace and refreshment return when we fix our gaze back on God. He's with you. He's SO for you! He's cheering you on as you choose daily to follow Him and trust Him with all of the things you care about. Bless you, dear one!
Dear Kari,
Your post blessed me beyond words! I'm so grateful to know that you've been leading a group through the 'Balance' book! I was having trouble with my post replies so I couldn't reply quickly to your post. I love that you've been working out together as well as learning together. And I'm so grateful for the life-changing report. Praise Him!!! May God pour back into you a multiplied blessing for all you poured out on behalf of Him. Thanks for making me smile today! Bless you.
Hi Susie I don't even now how I got on here but , Has to be God could not sleep so got on face book here I am. Long story short moved a year ago had a close relationship with God, in church, sang in praise band, then we lose our house. Move don't know any one big change now out of church. Not happy. problems in marriage I know because have gotten out of church for one. This really spoke to me about asking God to forgive me and reaching out to him again I know I have put food in the place of going to God. I need to give it all to him. I really believe he lead me here to read some things you wrote to let me know he still loves me. Thank you