A heavy inward sigh erupted as I turned to look at the clock, which turned into shock at the realty of another 4 a.m. wakeup call. However, this wakeup call was not from an alarm but from God the Holy Spirit. This was the day my 6-week retreat of refocusing and refueling was set to begin. But honestly how could there be refueling if I continued to wake up at such an early hour?! I quickly assessed this rousing came for the refocusing! Yes, there was some unfinished business from the night before. So, as I spoke with the Lord in the deepest recesses of my soul, I asked for forgiveness and knew what I needed to do when morning broke. Gratefully, peace soon returned and so did sleep… until it became apparent all too soon it was time to rise!

Yet, from that time forward, it turned out to be a great day to enter the House of the Lord – our church building – and join with God’s Church body in praising and worshiping. What a wonderful way to start a 6-week retreat of refocusing and refueling by having the stage set with a reviving.

“…you who seek God, let your heart revive.” 

Psalm 69:32b, NASB

As I observe a plant-based diet for the next 6-weeks leading up to the Resurrection Celebration at Easter, my focus is God’s Word and prayer. The truth found in the Word of God refocuses my outlook and refuels my race. There is a reviving for weary pilgrims which overcomes any pull to give up. I love the hymn by W.P. Mackay, “Revive Us Again.” The fourth verse especially speaks to my time for this retreat:  

Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love. May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. [Refrain] Hallelujah! Thine the glory, hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again.