“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” – Psalm 71:20-21, NKJV

I find it really interesting that the concept of ‘revival’ has become a major theme for academic study in the theological world.

Indeed, Encyclopedia Britannica defines ‘rivalism’ as; “generally, renewed religious fervour within a Christian group, church, or community, but primarily a movement in some Protestant churches to revitalize the spiritual ardour of their members and to win new adherents.”

It further describes revivalism as, “The spiritual fervour of revival-style preaching, typically performed by itinerant, charismatic preachers before large gatherings, is thought to have a restorative effect on those who have been led away from the right path.”

At least ten ‘revival movements’ have been studied throughout Church history, and the ‘principles’ as well as the ‘stages’ of revival among other attributes have also been highlighted by scholars.

What all that shows basically is that ‘revival’ has largely been perceived by theology as a corporate phenomenon.

However as our meditation verse today indicates, Biblical revival is first and foremost personal.

“You shall revive me again,” says the psalmist.

Psalm 119: 107 adds; “I am afflicted very much; revive me, O LORD, according to Your Word.”

In the original languages, to ‘revive’ means ‘to flourish anew’ or ‘to regain life,’ to ‘cause to live again.’

To revive is to bring again to life or figuratively, to raise from lethargy, depression or discouragement; to renew.

What the psalmist is praying for is that God breathe new life back into his soul, as it were.

“Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!”

PSALM 80:18-19

Our daily life in the world, the troubles and concerns of life often cause languor, neglect, indifference, and carelessness in regard to our spiritual life and perspective, which necessitates a regular re-awakening to spiritual and eternal concerns.

Contrary to what religion has taught us, revival is not merely an evangelistic campaign championed by ‘anointed’ preachers; it is the restoring to life of individual hearts that have previously experienced the life of God in being born again of the Spirit, but who have become cold, carnal, worldly-minded and ineffective.

So, quit waiting for a ‘revival movement’ to come to the Church and instead embrace the reviving power of the Holy Spirit in your individual heart.

The inferno of corporate revival is fed by the little flames in individual hearts.

God promises spiritual renewal to those who repent from sin and earnestly seek His face.

Isaiah 57:15 says the sovereign LORD God does “revive the spirit of the lowly and revives the heart of the contrite.”

That indicates that revival is a deeply spiritual matter that starts in the heart of man, demonstrating its personal and corporate character.

Psalm 85:6 says; “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

“Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!” (Psalm 80:18-19)

That implies that a prayer for revival is incomplete if you don’t include yourself.

Revival is in God’s perfect will.

He promises continuous revival to His Church: “Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall be revived like grain, and [sprout again] like a vine” (Hosea 14:7).

The troubles may have been “severe” in 2023 but God says you’re being revived.

Prayer:

Almighty God, revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation for true inner joy in You is a result of personal revival.

May You revive Your work in me, in Your Church and in the world. For the glory of Your Name, Amen!