REVIVE US AGAIN!
Read It
Psalm 85
“Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.”
Discover It
This is a plea for God to revive us again. The nation of Israel had gotten out from under God’s umbrella of protection due to their sin. As other nations oppressed them they felt as though they were under the wrath of the Lord. How long would this last, how long would they feel the hot breath of God’s anger? But the prayer in this psalm is not for deliverance. “God, will you ever revive us again,” was their prayer. They needed a spiritual renewal that would lead to victory. The word for revive here in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) means to live again! To have a rekindled relationship with God.
Revival in the Bible is applied to God’s people, even those who have come to Christ, and publicly professed Christ in baptism. Even members of churches. But they need to live again. Their faith is dusty and dry. They practice Christianity and may even serve in the church. But their love for God has waned. They have lost that sense of freedom they experienced when they were first redeemed. They are fainting in their faith. They have forgotten the wonder of it all. They…we…need REVIVAL!
Ask It
1. Name some things that you think anger the Lord. Do you ever feel as if God is angry at you? Why did Jesus come? (Hint: Read John 3:17)
2. Is there anything we can do to be revived, or is it totally a work of God among His people. Describe what you think it looks like when God brings revival to His people. What is our response?
Live It
1. PRAY. Our scripture is a prayer to God for revival. So, include praying for world revival and personal revival in your prayer life.
2. REPENT. Put away any action, attitude, or thought that may be displeasing to the Lord. And start to be obedient to observe to do any Godly action or attitude that you have put off or ignored. Start now!
Pray It
Dear God, I bless your Name today and thank You that You are a loving God. I pray that you will revive our nation, our churches, and every individual upon this land today. Give them a refreshing, from Your Holy Spirit, that they may be able to rejoice in You again, Lord. Make your people alive for You again. Allow them to lift up their hands and give You the honor and glory that belongs to You. And extend this grace to me also, oh God, for I too am in need of you. Amen.