Definition and Concept
In biblical terms, "refreshing" refers to the renewal, restoration, or revitalization of the spirit, soul, or body. It is often associated with the presence of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement found in fellowship with other believers. Refreshing can be both a physical and spiritual experience, providing relief from weariness and a renewed sense of purpose and strength.

Old Testament References
The concept of refreshing is evident in the Old Testament, where it is often linked to rest and restoration. In Exodus 23:12, the Sabbath is described as a day of rest for refreshment: "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident." Here, the Sabbath serves as a divine provision for physical and spiritual renewal.

Psalm 23:3 speaks of God as the Shepherd who "restores my soul," indicating a spiritual refreshing that comes from God's guidance and care. Similarly, Isaiah 40:31 promises that "those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This passage highlights the refreshing strength that comes from trusting in the Lord.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, refreshing is closely associated with the work of the Holy Spirit and the grace found in Christ. Acts 3:19-20 calls for repentance and turning to God so that "times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you." This passage emphasizes the spiritual renewal and refreshment that result from repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the refreshment that comes from fellowship with other believers. In Philemon 1:7, he writes, "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 7:13, Paul expresses his joy at the comfort and refreshment brought by Titus: "By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you."

Spiritual Refreshment
Spiritual refreshing is a recurring theme in Scripture, often linked to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. In John 7:37-39, Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that "rivers of living water will flow from within them." This living water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who provides ongoing spiritual refreshment and vitality to believers.

The practice of prayer and communion with God is also a source of spiritual refreshing. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to those who are weary and burdened, promising rest for their souls: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Conclusion
The biblical concept of refreshing encompasses both physical rest and spiritual renewal. It is a gift from God, available through His presence, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of believers. Whether through the observance of the Sabbath, the encouragement of fellow Christians, or the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, refreshing is a vital aspect of the Christian life, providing strength and renewal for the journey of faith.Acts 3:19
Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Refresh.

2. (a.) Reviving; reanimating.

REFRESH; REFRESHING

re-fresh', re-fresh'-ing: "Refresh" occurs a few times in the Old Testament as the translation of naphash, "to take breath," figurative "to be refreshed" (Exodus 23:12; Exodus 31:17 2 Samuel 16:14); of rawach, "to have room (1 Samuel 16:23 Job 32:20, margin "find relief," the King James Version margin "may breathe"); of ca`adh, "to support" (1 Kings 13:7); and in the New Testament as the translation of anapauo, "to give rest" (1 Corinthians 16:18 2 Corinthians 7:13 Philemon 1:7, 20; in compound middle, Romans 15:32 the King James Version); also of anapsucho, "to invigorate," "revive" (2 Timothy 1:16), and other words. "Refreshing" is in Isaiah 28:12 marge`ah, "rest" or "quiet"; and in Acts 3:19, anapsuxis, "seasons of refreshing," through the coming of Jesus, the Christ; compare 2 Esdras 11:46 and the King James Version, Sirach 43:22 hilaroo).

W. L. Walker

403. anapsuxis -- a recovery of breath, a refreshing
... a recovery of breath, a refreshing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
anapsuxis Phonetic Spelling: (an-aps'-ook-sis) Short Definition: refreshing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/403.htm - 6k4774. margeah -- a rest, repose
... Word Origin from raga Definition a rest, repose NASB Word Usage repose (1). refreshing.
From raga'; rest -- refreshing. see HEBREW raga'. 4773, 4774. ...
/hebrew/4774.htm - 6k

Source of My Life's Refreshing Springs,
... Source of my life's refreshing springs,. i "Thou maintainest my lot." "
Psalm 16:5. Source of my life's refreshing springs,. Whose ...
/.../waring/hymns and meditations/source of my lifes refreshing.htm

Conclusion the Resurrection of the Flesh in Its Absolute Identity ...
... and Perfection. Belief of This Had Become Weak. Hopes for Its Refreshing
Restoration Under the Influences of the Paraclete. And so ...
/.../chapter lxiii conclusion the resurrection of.htm

True Revivals.
... will ofttimes languish in individuals, in families, in congregations and communities;
and that, at such times, a spiritual awakening or refreshing is necessary ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxvii true revivals.htm

The Wine of Prayer
... perseverance. I got a little wine, and, oh, it was delicious and refreshing! ...
press. "Nothing is so refreshing as the Wine of Prayer. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter twelve the wine of.htm

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
... As wine enlivens, and bread strengthens, and oil is rich, and honey is sweet, and
flowers are fragrant, and dew is refreshing, and foliage is beautiful; so ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xiv religion pleasant to.htm

Conclusion.
... [631]. Footnotes: [627] Some render, "May I, in my turn, be the means of refreshing
you and those," etc. [628] Literally, "to be found for.". ...
/.../ignatius/the epistle of ignatius to the ephesians/chapter xxi conclusion.htm

Spiritual Declension.
... forego. He goes to the mercy-seat as the thirsty hart goes to the refreshing
brook. The springs of his strength are there. There ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/spiritual declension.htm

The "Times of Restitution" Can be Ushered in Only by the Second ...
... "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when
the Times of Refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And He shall ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the times of restitution.htm

The Duty of Constant Communion JW
... of doing it are so great to all that do it in obedience to him; viz., the forgiveness
of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshing of our souls ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 101 the duty of.htm

How Useful is Relaxation on the Arrival of Brethren.
... That most refreshing interlude also of relaxation and courtesy, which sometimes
is wont to intervene because of the arrival of brethren, although it may seem ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xx how useful is.htm

Refreshing (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Reviving; reanimating. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REFRESH; REFRESHING. ...
WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Refreshing (6 Occurrences). ...
/r/refreshing.htm - 9k

Refresh (18 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) To make as if new; to repair; to restore. 3. (n.) The act of refreshing.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REFRESH; REFRESHING. ...
/r/refresh.htm - 13k

Dew (35 Occurrences)
... regarded as a curse from God (2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Kings 17:1). It is the symbol of
a multitude (2 Samuel 17:12; Psalm 110:3); and from its refreshing influence it ...
/d/dew.htm - 26k

Refreshment (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of refreshing, or the state of being refreshed; restoration of strength,
spirit, vigor, or liveliness; relief after suffering; new life or ...
/r/refreshment.htm - 7k

Quicken (16 Occurrences)
... To quicken also means a reviving, a refreshing, an increasing of life (Psalm
71:20; Psalm 85:6; Psalm 119:37, 40, 88 Isaiah 57:10). ...
/q/quicken.htm - 13k

Quick (49 Occurrences)
... To quicken also means a reviving, a refreshing, an increasing of life (Psalm
71:20; Psalm 85:6; Psalm 119:37, 40, 88 Isaiah 57:10). ...
/q/quick.htm - 24k

Onesiphorus (2 Occurrences)
... The visits which Onesiphorus paid to Paul in his Roman prison were intensely
"refreshing." And it was not once or twice that he thus visited the chained ...
/o/onesiphorus.htm - 11k

Wiped (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, (See ...
/w/wiped.htm - 14k

Washing (56 Occurrences)
... or house after a journey. The Orientals wore only sandals, and this washing
was refreshing as well as cleanly. In the case of ordinary ...
/w/washing.htm - 38k

Feet (2931 Occurrences)
... or house after a journey. The Orientals wore only sandals, and this washing
was refreshing as well as cleanly. In the case of ordinary ...
/f/feet.htm - 17k

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