The subject of Psalm 85 is revival.  The psalmist asks the Lord, “Will you not yourself revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (v. 6)

But, what is true, genuine revival?  Some Christians/churches think they are having revival because they are experiencing an increase in their numbers.  Others think revival has come because they were a part of a highly emotional worship service.

 

Some Observations About Revival

 

1.   Revival is for believers, not unbelievers.  “…revive us again.”  You cannot be revived in your spiritual life when you have never possessed spiritual life.  That’s why revival must start in the church and evangelism is the overflow of revival.  What a lot of churches call Revival Meetings today are actually evangelistic meetings.

2.   Genuine revival is when believers who have become stagnant, or dormant, in their spiritual lives are restored back to the fullness of life in Christ.  “Restore us, O God of our salvation.” (v. 4)

3.   Real revival is a gracious, sovereign act of God.  “Will you…yourself revive us…?”  Revival is not a movement produced by human effort.  It is not something you can schedule in a week of meetings.  It is something that God graciously does at times.

4.   Before churches can experience revival, they must realize the desperate situation they are in.  “Will you be angry with us forever?” (v. 5)

You cannot be revived unless you realize you have a problem.  Many Christians do not have discernment of what’s important in the church and our nation, so they don’t realize the desperate situation we are in.  That’s not being negative.  That’s seeing the reality of the situation.

5.   True revival leaves a lasting mark of holy living in the church and in the community.  “That glory may dwell in our land.” (v. 9b)  Revival is not an emotional frenzy.  It is seen in prolonged holy living.  It is a renewed commitment to the glory of God.

 

We desperately need this kind of God sent revival in the church in America and we need this revival to spread to our nation through the power of the Gospel.  It is our only hope.