A Time of Refreshing

“As the deer pants for the water, so my soul long after you. You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship you.” Psalm 42:1

Psalm 42:1 is a popular scripture often quoted and/or song and each time it reminds us how desperate we are or should be for the presence of the Almighty God. It describes a deer panting and that word “panting” means taking short breaths, barely breathing. The psalmist shares with us how his soul is desperately longing after The Most High.

As spiritual leaders we can easily get to a place where we find ourselves barely breathing because we have neglected making time to spend in God’s presence; whether intentionally or not.Many of us have several responsibilities whether in our homes, ministries or on our jobs to oversee others. Our time, energy and focus is on making sure that those whom we overseeare prepared or equipped to successfully meet their goals. In so doing, we as spiritual leaders are depleted, famished and often times left alone in these conditions, we lethargically continue daily displaying no signs until we collapse.We are driven by compassion and commitment to constantly pourinto others andfail to make time for us tobe poured into, which leaves us empty. You can now better understand the psalmist, David statement when he said, “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul long after you.” He became spiritually and physically drained and knewthat alone time in the presence of the Most High God is his hope, his desperate hope for restoration.

As Leaders it’s not okay to serve othersfrom the residue or fumes of ourpast because in doing so we jeopardize our integrity and risked displayingbehaviors unappealing that can have a long-term negative consequence.

Leaders, let me encourage you on today to intentionally find time to spend with the Most High. Nothing or no one should matter more than hearing and seeing the Most High; to simply be in His Presence brings fulfillment of joy. It’s ok to shut down temporarily. It’s ok to rest from the busyness, the obligation and commitment of being LEADER; in other words, it’s ok to have a Selah moment. Leaders, the people need you But, we as leaders need The Most High more. Leaders intentionally and on purpose get refreshed in Yahweh!

Be Encourage Prophet Dionne