Finding Refreshment: Embracing God's Presence in Chaos
Summary
Life in our modern world is often crowded, noisy, and relentless, leaving little room for true rest or reflection. Yet, throughout Scripture, God invites us to pause—selah—to step back from the busyness and breathe in His presence. Just as the psalmist uses “selah” to prompt reflection, we are called to create space in our lives to encounter God’s refreshing. Acts 3:19-20 promises that when we repent and turn back to God, times of refreshing will come from His presence. This “refreshing” is not just a fleeting feeling, but a deep, spiritual renewal—a recovery of breath for our weary souls.
We often allow the pressures of life, technology, and even our own ambitions to crowd out the presence of God. Like wilted tulips revived by a cool breeze, we too can be revived by the Spirit when we intentionally make space for Him. Repentance is not just for the “big sins,” but a daily turning away from distractions and self-reliance, and a turning toward God with renewed hunger. It’s about recognizing where we’ve added unnecessary burdens to our faith and returning to the simplicity of Christ’s call.
Worship is another area where we must be vigilant. True worship is not about performance or emotional highs, but about honoring and exalting God. It prepares our hearts, opens the heavens, and draws us into deeper intimacy with Him. We must guard our hearts, eyes, and ears, being mindful of what we consume and how it shapes our spiritual lives.
Jesus commissions us not just to receive, but to give—to heal, to serve, to release His presence wherever we go. The gifts of the Spirit are not meant to lie dormant; each of us is called to step out in faith, even if it means risking failure or embarrassment. The Holy Spirit is given to empower us, to make us carriers of God’s presence in every situation. Our assignment is to be aware of His indwelling, to cooperate with Him, and to release His peace and power into the world around us.
Ultimately, God desires all of us—not less of us, but all of us surrendered and immersed in Him. As we cultivate ongoing awareness of the Holy Spirit, we become agents of transformation, bringing the fragrance of heaven into every corner of our lives. May we be a people who pause, reflect, and move forward in the power and presence of the Spirit.
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Key Takeaways
- The Power of Selah: Creating Space for God
In a world that constantly demands our attention, intentionally pausing—taking “selah” moments—allows us to step out of the chaos and encounter God’s presence. These pauses are not wasted time; they are sacred opportunities for spiritual renewal and clarity. When we make room for God, He brings a refreshing that revives our souls and reorients our priorities. [01:03:53]
- Repentance as a Daily Rhythm, Not a Rare Event
Repentance is not reserved for moments of crisis or obvious sin, but is a continual turning of our hearts toward God. It involves recognizing where we have drifted, where we have added unnecessary burdens, and where we have relied on our own strength. True repentance brings freedom, restores intimacy, and positions us to receive God’s refreshing presence. [01:11:21]
- Worship: More Than Music, a Matter of the Heart
Worship is not about emotional experiences or musical preferences, but about honoring and exalting God above all else. The songs we sing and the attitudes we bring either open us up to God’s presence or leave us spiritually unmoved. True worship prepares our hearts for God’s work and aligns us with His purposes, while shallow or self-focused worship leaves us unchanged. [01:15:10]
- The Gifts of the Spirit: From Dormancy to Activation
Every believer is entrusted with spiritual gifts meant to bless others and advance God’s kingdom. Too often, these gifts remain unused due to fear, complacency, or a lack of awareness. God has no “plan B”—He intends to use each of us, with all our imperfections, to release His love, power, and presence into our communities. [01:25:08]
- Living with Ongoing Awareness of the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is not about striving in our own strength, but about cooperating with the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. As we cultivate sensitivity to His presence, we become agents of peace, healing, and transformation wherever we go. Our daily challenge is to remain aware of the “dove” resting on us, allowing His anointing to flow through us in every situation. [01:33:38]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03:53] - The Meaning of Selah: Pausing for God
[01:05:03] - Times of Refreshing from God’s Presence
[01:06:07] - The Tulip Story: A Picture of Spiritual Renewal
[01:08:11] - The Hectic Life and Spiritual Drift
[01:09:29] - Repentance: Returning to God’s Simplicity
[01:11:21] - The Blessing of Repentance and Fresh Zeal
[01:12:55] - Guarding Our Hearts, Eyes, and Ears
[01:14:01] - The Substance of True Worship
[01:15:10] - Worship That Opens Heaven
[01:17:59] - Personal Reflection: What Does Worship Mean?
[01:18:43] - The Great Commission and the Gifts of the Spirit
[01:21:00] - Lessons from Praying for the Sick
[01:24:03] - Activating Dormant Spiritual Gifts
[01:27:55] - The Secret Place and the Spirit-Filled Life
[01:28:33] - Faith, Surrender, and Releasing God’s Presence
[01:31:47] - Living as Carriers of the Holy Spirit
[01:33:38] - The Commission: As the Father Sent Me, I Send You
[01:44:45] - Sharing and Benediction
[01:49:39] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Selah: Creating Space for God’s Presence”
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### Bible Reading
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
> Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.
Matthew 10:7-8, 12-13 (ESV)
> And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay... As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
John 20:21-22 (ESV)
> Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 3:19-20, what are the steps Peter says are needed for “times of refreshing” to come?
2. According to Matthew 10:7-8, what specific actions does Jesus command his disciples to do as they go out?
3. In John 20:21-22, what does Jesus do for his disciples after telling them he is sending them out?
4. The sermon described “selah” as a pause for reflection. What are some examples the pastor gave of what happens when we don’t make space for God in our lives? [[01:03:53]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that “refreshing” from God is not just a feeling, but a “recovery of breath” for our souls. What does it mean for someone to experience this kind of spiritual renewal? [[01:05:03]]
2. The pastor mentioned that repentance is not just for “big sins,” but a daily turning away from distractions and self-reliance. Why might it be important to see repentance as a daily rhythm instead of a rare event? [[01:11:21]]
3. The sermon warns about worship becoming just “fluff” or performance. What does it look like for worship to truly honor and exalt God, rather than just being an emotional experience? [[01:15:10]]
4. Jesus tells his disciples to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” Why do you think Jesus gives these commands, and what does it say about the role of every believer? [[01:18:43]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor described how life can get so busy and noisy that we forget to pause and make space for God. What is one practical way you could create a “selah” moment in your daily or weekly routine? [[01:03:53]]
2. Are there specific distractions (like technology, work, or even your own ambitions) that have been crowding out God’s presence in your life? What is one step you could take this week to turn away from those distractions and turn toward God? [[01:08:11]]
3. The sermon talked about “guarding our hearts, eyes, and ears.” Is there something you regularly watch, listen to, or talk about that you sense is not helping your walk with God? What would it look like to make a change in that area? [[01:14:01]]
4. When you think about worship, do you find yourself more focused on the music, the performance, or your own feelings? How could you shift your focus to truly honor and exalt God during worship? [[01:15:10]]
5. The pastor said that every believer has spiritual gifts, but many of us let them stay dormant out of fear or complacency. Is there a gift or ability you sense God has given you that you haven’t been using? What is one way you could step out in faith and use it this month? [[01:25:08]]
6. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” What would it look like for you to live with an ongoing awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your daily life? Is there a situation this week where you could intentionally “release” God’s peace or presence? [[01:33:38]]
7. The sermon challenged us to surrender “all of us” to God, not just a part. Is there an area of your life you’ve been holding back from God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? [[01:33:38]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you pause, reflect, and move forward in His power and presence this week. Ask for courage to use your gifts and to be aware of His presence in every situation.
Devotional
Day 1: Times of Refreshing Come from the Presence of the Lord
True spiritual refreshment is found by turning to God and receiving His renewing presence.
Life can often feel overwhelming, leaving us spiritually wilted and exhausted, much like flowers left in the wrong environment. Yet, God offers us a way to recover our breath and vitality through repentance and returning to Him. When we pause, reflect, and intentionally seek His presence, He promises to blot out our sins and bring times of refreshing—a spiritual revival that restores our passion and zeal. This is not just a fleeting feeling, but a deep, sustaining renewal that comes from being with God, even in the midst of our busy, crowded lives. Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and invite the Lord to revive your spirit. [01:06:07]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can pause today to intentionally seek God’s presence and allow Him to refresh your spirit?
Day 2: Rest and Renewal Are Found in Jesus
Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for true rest and spiritual renewal.
Many of us carry heavy burdens—responsibilities, worries, and the relentless pace of life. Jesus understands this and extends a personal invitation to come to Him, promising rest for our souls. This rest is not simply the absence of activity, but a deep, soul-level renewal that only He can provide. When we lay down our striving and excuses, and come to Him with honesty and humility, He refreshes us with His presence and gives us new strength for the journey ahead. Let His words be an invitation to you today: come, rest, and be renewed. [01:11:21]
Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Reflection: What burden are you carrying right now that you need to bring to Jesus, trusting Him to give you rest?
Day 3: Freely You Have Received, Freely Give
God calls us to share the gifts and blessings we have received with others, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
As followers of Jesus, we are commissioned to go into the world and minister to others—healing, serving, and sharing the good news. This is not something we do in our own strength, but through the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit that God has generously given us. We are not meant to keep these blessings to ourselves; instead, we are called to freely give as we have freely received. Whether it’s offering prayer, encouragement, or practical help, God wants to use you to release His presence and love to those around you. [01:29:22]
Matthew 10:7-8 (ESV)
"And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless or serve today, sharing what God has given you?
Day 4: Hosting and Releasing the Presence of the Holy Spirit
We are called to live with an ongoing awareness of the Holy Spirit, releasing His peace and presence wherever we go.
As believers, we carry the presence of God into every place and situation. Jesus instructs us to let our peace rest upon the places and people we encounter, which means releasing the very presence of the Holy Spirit. This requires a sensitivity to what God is doing in each moment and a willingness to cooperate with Him. The Holy Spirit is not just for our benefit, but so that we can impact the world around us—changing atmospheres, bringing hope, and sanctifying our homes and communities. Be mindful today of the Spirit’s presence in you, and look for opportunities to release His peace and love. [01:33:38]
John 20:21-22 (ESV)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: In what specific situation today can you intentionally release the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: Cultivating an Ongoing Encounter with the Holy Spirit
A life of spiritual impact flows from daily awareness, surrender, and partnership with the Holy Spirit.
God desires more than occasional moments of inspiration for us—He wants us to walk in a continual, living relationship with the Holy Spirit. This means being attentive to His guidance, allowing Him to shape our words, actions, and attitudes, and being open to His leading in every area of life. When we cultivate this ongoing encounter, our capacity to love, serve, and impact others grows, and we become vessels through which God’s presence is released into the world. Let today be the start of a deeper journey with the Holy Spirit, inviting Him to rest on you and work through you in new ways. [01:44:45]
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one daily habit you can begin to help you become more aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?
Quotes
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