See Revival: A 10-day Journey with Geoffrey GoldenSample

Revive Us Again

We need revival. Many churches across the Western world are experiencing decline in membership and morale. Meanwhile, countless Christians in the global South and East are filled with spiritual fervor but struggle to cope with abject poverty and rampant persecution. The worldwide Body of Christ must see the move of the Holy Spirit upon our congregations, communities, and nations. We need spiritual renewal. We need political and economic transformation. We need social and cultural reform. We need God. 

But the good news is that we have God, and we have his track record. The ancient Israelite songwriting team — the sons of Korah — recall, “You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob,” (Psalm 85:1). They recount the faithfulness and forgiveness of Yahweh their God. Every Christian can call to mind how God has been gracious and merciful to him or her. If nothing else, each believer can point to the divine love we found at the cross of Christ. Further, many of us have heard stories of the great revivals and awakenings of the past. Some of us have even seen the supernatural at work in our own churches and regions. We know a God and serve a God who loves to show himself strong and move in the midst of his people. 

Acknowledging all that God has done, the sons of Korah ask him for an encore: “Restore us again, God our Savior,” (Psalm 85:4). Are we willing to acknowledge that we need a second touch? We have to be honest with God, each other, and ourselves. In spite of all we have seen God do, we desperately need him to move right now. From our own hearts to the halls of governments, we ask the Father: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (v. 6).

But as we pray for revival, there’s something we need to know. God wants to revive us! God loves to manifest his power and love, even when we’ve forsaken him time and time again! In fact, “he promises peace to his people,” (v. 8). But this is what he asks of us: don’t go back to your old ways. Don’t return to attitudes of spiritual complacency and moral compromise, individually or corporately. May we make the commitment that as God revives us, we will not return to a way of life that robs us of life. 

God saves, heals, and revives so that “his glory may dwell in our land,” (v. 9). He awakens us to the reality of who He is and who we are in him so that he can make himself known through us to a dying world in need of his life. 

As we conclude our time together, think about what revival could look like in your heart, home, church, community, region, and nation. What would change if you and other Christians around you lived awakened to Jesus every day? What would you see that you’re not seeing now? I submit to you that the possibilities are endless. So keep praying. Keep seeking. God hears you, and he will answer. He will save. He will heal. He will revive us again.

Thank you for completing this study. If you would like to connect with Geoffrey Golden or listen to his new album "See Revival" - please click HERE