August 25

Refreshing 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 92:9-15 | Job 16:1 – 19:29 | 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 | Proverbs 22:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 16

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,  [18] for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men (1 Corinthians 16:17-18 ESV).

Some people refresh the soul. Others drain it of all energy. Paul here admonishes the Corinthians to give recognition to three who were “soul refreshers.” Why? Because “they refreshed my spirit as well as yours.”

In contrast we have been reading about Job’s “miserable comforters” who are probably trying their best, but still end up draining Job of any remaining energy his soul might have.

It’s good to have people like Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. We all need the encouragement that such people bring. An encouraging word, a helping hand, a willingness to serve where needed: these things refresh the soul of one who is in ministry–or the soul of one who is going through difficulties of any kind.

Life has a way of sapping our energy. There are more than enough “Soul drainers”. Be a soul refresher. An encouraging word goes a long way toward refreshing a tired soul.

Lord, refresh my soul today that I might refresh others. Encourage me that I might be an encourager. Amen.