Covid shifted expectations and experiences for nearly everyone on the planet. I found myself offering spiritual direction and soulcare via zoom. These monthly sessions morphed into outdoor meetings as covid restrictions changed. Jokingly, I remarked that my office became Hudson Gardens, a local outdoor botanical garden. The gardens offered numerous opportunities for bench seating spread out amongst the property highlighting God’s beautiful creation. God attended to the souls of those I met with, rejuvenating their inner beings.
As winter approached I wondered about an indoor meeting space. Because of current Covid guidelines, study rooms in local libraries proved more difficult than in the past to reserve for soulcare sessions. God had a plan. In the last several weeks, God moved a generous friend to provide an office space for me to use. It is a 150 square foot studio space located in the upstairs of an old building in historic downtown Littleton, CO.
God’s provision for an office location to offer soulcare continues to blow my mind. Our Sovereign Lord is so good. Unit 204 exhibits four large windows, exposed red brick, and a well-loved wooden floor. Just as this location will be used by God to rejuvenate the souls of many, the wood floor needed to be rejuvenated as well.
Rejuvenate – give new energy or vigor to; to revitalize.
Amongst the many products Amazon carries, “Rejuvenate” is one of them. “Rejuvenate” wood floor restorer revives years of wear and tear on hardwood surfaces. Its formula promises to fill in scratches and minor dents leaving a finish that protects against further damage. I used rejuvenate in efforts to restore and protect the floor of the unit God provided. The floor now exhibits wear and tear with a protective coating and a soft sheen replacing the dull wood.
As we enter the Advent season, I wonder how to rejuvenate my soul. What about your soul?
Many in our society share experiences of weary living consumed with technology, work, and exhaustion. What practices might offer new energy and vigor to our lives during this season? Are there ways to revitalize our journey with Jesus even in the midst of complex community outings, creative homeschooling, inventive cooking, global demands for attention, and overbearing work demands?
Elijah comes to mind as an example of someone experiencing a weary season. He defeated the prophets of Baal and fled the torment of Jezebel. Recorded in 1 Kings 18-19, Elijah’s dramatic journey unfolds. Fed by his exhaustion, Elijah allowed fear to dictate his mood and prayer.
Nevertheless, Elijah fell asleep under a bush (vs. 5). He needed rest. Elijah’s body required physical rejuvenation. Take a moment to notice the condition of your body. Are you tired? Sore? Energized? Ill? Do you allow enough rest for you body to be rejuvenated? Studies reveal that most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep a night. How many hours do you allow your body rest a day? Maybe it is time to intentionally get the necessary amount of sleep in order to function well.
Rejuvenate – give new energy or vigor to; to revitalize.
Elijah ran from Jezebel, likely forgetting to take nourishment. His body needed bodily rejuvenation. Energy and strength flowed into Elijah’s body when He ate bread and drank water (vs. 6). Too often we miss a meal and then indulge later. Or, we snack on junk food and drink coffee to get through the day. This doesn’t reveal healthy living. In what ways does your body receive sustenance? Are healthy veggies, meats, and fruits incorporated into refreshing you body? Take note of your food intake and the ways proper nourishment impact the ways you feel and experience life.
Consider restructuring your living to provide necessary physical rest and refreshment.
After meeting the physical requirements of rest and nourishment, God offered ultimate revitalization to Elijah through His presence (vs.11). Elijah stood at the cave entrance where the gentle whisper and companionship of God revived his inner being. From the stillness of God’s nearness, Elijah waited and received instruction and direction from God (vs. 15-18). God’s presence offered strength and hope to Elijah’s soul in the soundless space,. God provided help though Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. These assistants lifted Elijah’s burden offering community and strength. How long do you “stand at the mouth of the cave” to obtain guidance from God? Perhaps, the tyranny of the urgent prevents you from enjoying God’s presence, power, and provision? Instead, position your attention to the silence and stillness of God in order to notice His voice and receive counsel from His presence. Stand still and receive.
Remain calm and quiet allowing distractions to fade and God’s presence to prevail.
From Elijah’s journey we discover three practices to support our own rejuvenation: physical rest, bodily nourishment, and waiting in God’s presence. Caring for our whole being in this way settles our mood and sustains our prayer life so strength is derived from God. We live by faith not fear. Wisely recognize your human limitations by taking care of yourself and actively pursuing space with the God of the universe.
Let me know if you’d like to meet up at my new space in downtown Littleton. Not only will you notice the rejuvenated wood floors, but let God rejuvenate your soul during our time together. Prioritize these care-tending practices into your schedule this month so that you live a full, energized, and rejuvenated life with God and others during this advent season.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Kings 19:13 – When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Psalm 46:10 – He says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby. Being Still with God in Every Day. Downers Nashville, TN. 2014.
Priscilla Shirer. Elijah – Bible Study Book: Faith and Fire. Nashville, TN. 2021.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Anthem Lights. Just Fall. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jZaRU4f-2Xw
Steven Curtis Chapman. Be Still and Know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3cKULOBMEk