Refresh

Refresh: give new strength or energy to; refill

Life is hard sometimes. It can feel like a game of Whack-a-Mole, where everytime we start to improve, every time we finally come up for air, we get knocked over the head and pushed back down. 

Sometimes our hammer is grief. Sometimes the whack comes from depression and heaviness. Sometimes the knock comes from anxiety.

Other times we’re pounded with betrayal, fear, worry, lack of confidence, doubt, hurt, and on, and on, and on.

It can feel like it will never stop. 

And it’s in these times that we need a breath of fresh air.

While I was in prayer, that phrase came to my mind.

A breath of fresh air.

That expression means a refreshing change, and refresh means to give new strength and energy, and to be refilled. 

This is such a beautiful and apt description for what we need in these moments.

When we’re being knocked over the head with a new problem, we need to take in a breath of fresh air and receive new strength and energy. 

And we do this only in the presence of our Father. 

I’m all about breathing in the fresh, outside air, but nothing beats breathing in His presence.

So this week I encourage you to spend time in the Word, spend time in prayer and worship, and spend time seeking the heart and the face of our Father God.

Inhale in His presence, and exhale anything that does not line up with His Word and His will. Exhale fear. Exhale depression. Exhale anxiety. Exhale hurt.

This week, take a breath of fresh air and smile.

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Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige