Revive Us Again

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Introduction:

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves in need of revival—a rekindling of our spirits and a fresh outpouring of God’s grace. Today’s message centers around the profound longing for spiritual renewal, as expressed in Psalm 85:6, “Will you not revive us again so that your people may rejoice in you?” This plea resonates deeply, especially in times of personal struggle, communal hardship, or national distress. Our God is always ready to bring revival, and it begins with a sincere cry for His presence.

The Psalmist’s Plea for Revival

When we look at the psalmist’s words, we see a heartfelt cry for revival. This is not just a request; it’s a deep yearning for God to intervene in our lives and circumstances. The psalmist acknowledges that something has died—be it hope, joy, or spiritual fervor.

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In my own life, I’ve often turned to God in prayer, asking Him to come into my situations. There were times when I felt distant or when the fire of my faith seemed to flicker. Yet, in those moments of desperation, I’ve experienced God’s faithfulness. Like the psalmist, I have cried out, “Come, Holy Spirit, please come!” And time and again, I have witnessed His powerful answers.

Every great work of God can be traced back to prayer. As D.L. Moody said, “Every great work of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” This is a reminder that our pleas for revival must be earnest and persistent. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God and seek His face.

Looking Beyond Remorse to Rejoicing

The psalmist looks beyond the remorse of past failures and seeks to rejoice in the hope of what God can do. This is crucial. We often allow our past mistakes and disappointments to weigh us down. But when we come to God with our brokenness, He offers us a fresh start.

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Psalms 85:6 emphasizes the word “again,” indicating that revival is not a one-time event. It’s a continual process of renewal. Just as we may feel the need for a fresh start, our communities and nations also long for revival. The good news is that we have a Savior who can restore us in an instant. He can breathe life into dead situations, just as He did with Lazarus, bringing him back from the dead.

Remember, spiritual death often brings pain. It’s painful to watch relationships crumble, dreams fade, or our faith wane. Yet, God desires to resurrect those areas in our lives. He wants us to experience victory, not just for ourselves but to reach out and touch others with His love and grace.

Experiencing Victory Through God

Victory is a theme woven throughout scripture. The psalmist reflects on past victories, reminding us that God has always been faithful. When I think of my own life, I can recall moments where everything seemed lost, but God turned those situations around. In a local baseball league, our team, made up of not-so-young players, faced a much younger and stronger team. Against all odds, we won the championship. The joy of that victory was a reflection of how God can work in unexpected ways.

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This same principle applies to our spiritual lives. God wants us to remember the victories He has brought about in our past. Those moments of triumph should ignite a hunger for more of Him. We must not become complacent but instead crave deeper intimacy with God, knowing that He is the source of our revival.

God as the Source of Revival

The second point to consider is that the psalmist sees God as the ultimate source of revival. We can’t manufacture revival on our own. It’s not about chanting or trying to drum up excitement; it’s about being intimate with our Lord and Savior. We need to cultivate a relationship with Him that goes beyond casual acquaintance.

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This intimacy is what fuels true revival. Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts will be in vain. We need to cry out for His presence and power in our lives. As we do, we will see transformation not only in our hearts but in our communities and nation as well.

Desperation for the Holy Spirit

Desperation for the Holy Spirit is essential for revival. In Job 1:13-22, we see a man who faced unimaginable loss and yet chose to worship God. This is a powerful example of what it means to be desperate for God. In our own lives, we may encounter situations that seem hopeless, but we serve a God who specializes in the impossible.

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When we find ourselves in dire circumstances, it’s easy to lose hope. But we must remember that God is always present and willing to intervene. It’s in our moments of desperation that we often find the strength to reach out to Him and seek His face.

Moving From Remorse to Rejoicing

Moving from remorse to rejoicing is a vital aspect of revival. The psalmist encourages us to look beyond our failures and embrace the joy that comes from knowing God. This transition is not always easy, but it is necessary for experiencing true spiritual renewal.

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When we allow guilt and shame to linger, we miss out on the joy of our salvation. We must learn to forgive ourselves as God forgives us. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is essential for sustaining revival in our hearts and communities.

Anticipating God’s Goodness

As we seek revival, we must anticipate God’s goodness. The psalmist reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. He desires to bless us and pour out His love upon us. When we approach Him with expectant hearts, we can be assured that He will respond.

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This expectation is not rooted in our performance but in God’s character. He is a good Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children. We must trust that He has our best interests at heart and that He desires to see us thrive in our faith.

Conclusion: A Call to Revival

In conclusion, the call for revival is a call to recognize our need for God. It’s a plea for personal and communal restoration. As we look to the psalmist’s cry, let us remember that revival begins with prayer, humility, and a desire for deeper intimacy with the Lord.

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Let us dare to pray and expect God to move in our lives, our communities, and our nation. Together, we can experience the joy of revival and the blessings that come from a renewed relationship with our Savior. Will you join me in seeking the Lord and asking Him to revive us again?