Is there a certain home or place you walk into and instantly feel at ease? Maybe it’s the scent associated with it or the location. Or maybe it’s the people.
I can recall experiencing this feeling several times throughout my life. It’s the warm feeling of comfort. The feeling of safety and security. The feeling of happiness and peace.
It could be that as you’re reading this, you too have a certain place in mind, or even multiple places if you’re greatly blessed in this regard. If you do, what makes this environment so special, so meaningful to you? Jot down a few ideas if possible.
Here are a handful of reasons why certain places bring me comfort:
- Laughter that comes easily
- An inviting, cozy bed
- A certain fragrance
- Wise and nurturing people
- Outside sounds
- A slower pace
- Being cared for without expectation in return
- Gentle breezes
- Being able to be yourself
- Comforting food
- The color of the décor
- Genuine friendship
- A beautiful view
- Order and calmness
- Childhood memories
- Nature
- The feeling of being sincerely welcomed
Sometimes, people refer to these locales as their “happy places”. I’m not talking about the mental image you conjure up to ease anxious feelings or unpleasant emotions. I’m talking about physical places and people who truly make you happy. A place where you are refreshed.
We all need a source of refreshment.
Whether it’s a certain location or a certain person or group of people, it’s essential to have a place where we can be relaxed and leave the worries of the day-to-day behind.
The apostle Paul knew very well the importance of refreshment. Shortly after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he began to travel throughout the world and arduously preach about the Saviour, while enduring unimaginable persecution and punishment. Paul was eventually taken prisoner by the Jews and brought before the Sanhedrin and a number of other officials to determine his fate. However, as a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar and under the guard of a centurion named Julius, was sent to Rome on a ship. A day or so into this dangerous journey, the group of prisoners, guards, and sailors stopped in the city of Sidon.
Acts 27:3
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
The centurion Julius took mercy on Paul and allowed him to visit his friends in Sidon to refresh himself. Now granted, he was more than likely chained to Julius as he wouldn’t have had the freedom to wander around by himself since he was a prisoner. The Bible doesn’t say who Paul’s friends were in the coastal city of Sidon, but it’s probable they were fellow Christians he knew from his previous trips to the area. Not only was Paul able to be refreshed, but I’m sure Julius benefitted as well from the fellowship time with these friends. And I feel confident in saying that I’m sure Paul and the others witnessed to the guard, possibly introducing him to the best refreshment in the world – Jesus.
During his missionary years, Paul wrote beautiful letters to his beloved Timothy, who he describes as his own son in the faith. In his second epistle to Timothy shortly before Paul’s death, he begins with a greeting in which he remembers his time serving with Timothy and the many individuals with whom they interacted. One man in particular, by the name of Onesiphorus, is mentioned.
2 Timothy 1:16-18
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Onesiphorus refreshed Paul often; he was a comfort and encouragement to him during his struggles. The Greek word for “refresh” means to give relief to and to provide kind attention or hospitality. This description sounds very much like the things on my list and probably like the ones on your list too. Onesiphorus wasn’t turned away by Paul’s prisoner status or by his zeal for preaching about a controversial Jesus. Onesiphorus not only sought Paul out in Rome to refresh him, but he did in Ephesus as well. I’m sure Paul felt more at ease, and as safe and welcomed in the presence of Onesiphorus as he could during those demanding and perilous times. Fittingly enough, the name Onesiphorus means profit-bearer.
Ponder this.
I encourage you to find a special place of refreshment if you haven’t already done so. Even better, find a friend who is a comforter, a relief, a hospitable companion who is supportive and ministers to you. Find an Onesiphorus.
And just as important, be an Onesiphorus. Refresh someone else.
What will you do with this day you’ve been given? How will you make it matter for His Kingdom?
Thank you Beth. In my living room, I have a sign that says, Home is My Happy Place. As I get older that sign becomes truer and I become more content to stay home. I moved a lot over the years and no matter what house I lived in I made it a home. I enjoy bringing homes to life after they’ve been neglected for years, both inside and out. Working on a house brings me comfort, lots of joy and much peace.
I can relate to the many things you’ve listed. One of my most favorite fragrances is the smell of lilacs. Lilacs take me back to my childhood, bringing lilacs to my mom on a summer day, they always made the house smell so good and she loved them. I love the sound of trains, again it takes me back to a carefree time. I know I’m one of the few that loves the changing seasons. Spring and summer are my favorites. There is something about fall that I love, the crisp air, the smells, the amazing colors, the fall festivals, cider, pumpkins, sitting by an outdoor fire. Then Christmas, so many wonderful memories and more to make. After the long cold and dreary winter we have spring, a rebirth of everything. Amazing smells, colors, sunshine, warmer weather and longer days with summer right around the corner.
Now I am enjoying working outside. Playing in the dirt brings me so much happiness. Planting flowers and watching them bloom is definitely a refreshing part of the year for me. Gardening and painting are two of my most favorite hobbies. When I’m feeling down or just not having the best day, digging in the dirt or picking up a paint brush can turn the day around.
We all need an escape and yes a time of refreshment. Thank you for another beautiful blog post full of great things to think about. I appreciate you.
Thank you for taking the time to post all of these things that bring you comfort. I can definitely relate to these as well, as I’m sure many others can too. We share many loves and interests! Yay for paint brushes and garden tools! What a wonderful way to praise the Lord by listing our blessings. I appreciate you too!
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the timely devotion of Paul’s missionary journeys.
A very refreshing blog. I miss you all so much.
Have a blessed evening.
Love to all, Sis🙏❤️
Thank you, Sis! We can learn so much from Paul’s life and friends. We definitely miss you too and look forward to catching up. Love you too.
Good morning Beth,
Thank you so much for this wonderful devotion..I really enjoyed reading your post and reading about Paul’s missionary journeys and his friends…We all need refreshing at some point and time and this was a real blessing to me to be able to reflect on what brings much refreshment,joy and peace of mind to me…For me it’s being able to attend church services during the week, I have really found much happiness and peace of mind when I attend Ladies Prayer Meeting on Tuesdays,spending time with my friends and family and most of all doing my daily devotions and daily prayer time….My time with the Lord is just so special to me and I look forward to it each and everyday….I really miss seeing you and Mark and your 2 beautiful daughters…Have a great day…Love you all
Hi Renee,
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I absolutely agree – Fellowship, prayer, and worship with other believers is such a blessing. It is definitely one of my favorite times of the week. A devotional time with our Heavenly Father IS such a source of refreshment. And He knew just how much we would need a Comforter in that He sent the Holy Spirit to us. Just like a parent can fulfill our needs and know exactly how to help us, our Father does too. We are such well-cared for children!
We really miss you too. Love to you!