Hueytown Church of Christ

Revive Us Again!

“Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6). Our theme for 2021 is: Revive Us Again. Last year was a tumultuous time for the entire world. Every day we were reminded how we have corrupted this world with sin and how much we suffer because of it - we are living in a decaying and broken world, for sure. It is time that we, as did the Psalmist, look back to a time when God blessed us and when things were good and asks God, “Will You not yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”

“The greatest need of America is an old-fashioned, heaven-born, God-sent revival. Throughout the history of the church, when clouds have hung lowest, when sin has seemed blackest and faith has been weakest, there have always been a faithful few who have not sold out to the devil nor bowed the knee to Baal, who have feared the Lord and thought upon his Name and have not forsaken the assembling of themselves together. These have besought the Lord to revive his work in the midst of the years, and in the midst of the fears and tears, and in wrath to remember mercy. God has always answered such supplication, filling each heart with his love, rekindling each soul with fire from above.” (Havner)

God Will Send a Revival, But We Must Desire It!

This year we are looking for a revival in the church and our individual lives. The kind of revival is not leaving the assembling thinking how great and timely the message was but beginning afresh for Christ. We can have this type of revival if we want it, but most Christians have never had it because they don’t want it.  

Revival Requires Prayer—Wilt thou not revive us again?

The Psalmist had a deep and sincere yearning for revival. His plea is earnest and heartfelt. He is tired of withering away in a spiritual desert long enough. He has begged God for what he desperately needs. 

We cannot begin this year expecting a spiritual revival with a half-hearted, complacent attitude. There has to be some preparation on our part: “Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12)

We need to seek the Lord now, without giving up until He provides for us. “…and [if] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14). Our hearts must be clean, humble and our prayers earnest as we approach the throne of God. He has promised to meet our needs if we meet His conditions. We cannot bring a revival, but if we will seek God He can send it.  

Revival Restores Passion

Surely the Psalmist remembered a time when Israel was committed to doing what was right, was committed to serving God, and was committed to loving the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind. (Matt. 22:37). Undoubtedly the Psalmist remembers how blessed the nation was when they were right with God. Now, he wanted “the good old days” back. Surely you can remember the days when Christians loved the Lord so much that they read their Bibles every day, prayed passionately, and were eager to teach the Gospel. Your minds should be flooded with memories of singings and full auditoriums during Gospel meetings. How great those days were. The Psalmist had tasted that world and wanted it back. Surely you have tasted that world and want it back, too. Revival indeed restores passion. “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)

Have we lost our joy? Does it seem a burden to come to church? True revival will renew that joy and restore your passion for the things of God. True revival will make God your priority.

Revival Renews People - Will You Not Revive Us Again: That Your People May Rejoice in You?

The Psalmist did not say revive me or you, but “Will You Not Revive US Again?” In times past when a sinner decided to become a Christian by obeying the Gospel, the entire church stayed behind to witness the confession and baptism. Hymns were sung with enthusiasm and tears of happiness were shed. Those were days of corporate revival, everyone was affected, everyone felt it.  

While it is true that we all must give an account as individuals for our actions, but no one is an island unto himself. We influence others. We all have an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the church, the community, but we must be right with God, first. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in me.” (Psalm 51:10). True revival will remove feelings of hurt, anger, and bitterness.

Consider what a true corporate spiritual revival did for the 1st-century church (Acts 2:42-47): “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers…And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Revival Reveals Purpose

The Psalmist longed to praise God for His goodness and wanted to rejoice in Him. He could do these things personally but desired to do them as a church.

Some have lost their desire to worship the Lord, and it shows “at church.” Smart-phones make it easy for people to shop on Amazon, stream the football game, or post on social media during the time we have set aside to praise God-all this while their children are looking on! No passion, no desire-worship has become a burden.  

We need to be a people of purpose, a people who magnify the Lord. We cannot afford to miss the mark. We especially cannot afford for our children to miss the mark. “Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! “Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.” (2 Chron. 16:29). Our purpose is to lift His name and be productive for the Savior.

All revivals have to start somewhere, let this one begin here, with you and with us. “Revive us again that Your people may rejoice in You.” - Ed-

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