Most Christians are aware of the changing of seasons in the life of a believer. The key is in being like the Tribe of Issachar who was able to discern and flow in the Times and Seasons of the Lord (1 Chronicles 12:32). Are we discerning in this Season of Refreshing?
 
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, a city known for its harsh winters, consisting of sub-zero temperatures and much snow. April was a transitional month where the season of winter would yield to the warmth of the sun, the budding of flowers and inward sense of new life. These memories came to mind in light of what the Lord had placed upon my heart for this devotional. What does this season of Refreshing look like for us today? Let’s consider the following three points:
 
1) The Lord is Calling Afresh
My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone (Song of Solomon 2:10-11).
 
Do we sense a fresh wooing from the Lord? For many, the reality of a spiritual cold winter has been real. Certain trials may seem never-ending but a time will come when those comforting “southern winds of blessing” begin to flow. These winds of refreshing have the potential to produce an inner joy and peace that cannot be contained. Don’t let previous setbacks, offenses or hurts keep us from hearing and responding to His voice. It’s a Time of Refreshing and God is Calling.
 
2) A Season of Restoring and Renewing
Are you familiar with the song entitled “Times of Refreshing” by Marty Nystrom? The lyrics ingeminate the ability for both our soul and mind to be Restored and Renewed in the presence of the Lord. The winter season strips away life with the cold dark nights bringing forth discouragement and doubts. Our adversary seeks to add to this disillusionment by reinforcing the notion that it will never end. The April showers arrive to soften the hardened ground that allows for the concealed fruits to surface. This is also true in matters of the Spirit. It is at such times when a Renewed love for God can manifest coupled with the blessings of Restoration in all our relationships.
 
3) Showers of Blessings
I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26).
 
In reading further in the above verses, we discover that the Showers of Blessing bring release from bondages and fear from the enemy (vs 27-28). Can we appreciate the turnaround of seasons? This past year has wreaked havoc upon the church, the world-wide economy and individual lives. For many it has affected the relationship one has with God. The enemy continues to reinforce the narrative that things are only going to get worse. The Word of the Lord says otherwise!
 
It is important for us as believers to have a sense of vision and perspective. It is a Time of Refreshing! There is a change of season and it’s important that we are able to discern it. God is calling us afresh unto Him. Let’s ask the Lord to help rekindle that first-love relationship while learning to immediately respond to His voice. Secondly, it is a time of Renewing and Restoring. The cold winter winds have passed and the winds of blessing are now blowing to bring forth notable fruits for His pleasure. Finally, it is a season for Breakthroughs and Blessings. Let the closing lyrics from the Song “Times of Refreshing” serve as our anthem in going forward. “There’s no greater joy, Lord, than being with You.”