I called it Lazarus. The lone plant in my windowless office, its green leaves drooped more with each passing day. Plucking the sad greenery from my bookshelf, I located an unused cubicle flooded with sunlight. Exposed to the element it needed to flourish, Lazarus revived–leaves unfurling as if from an extended sleep beneath the penetrating warmth of light.

God brought the plant to mind when He surprised me with my ‘one word’ this year. Revive(d).

 

Do You Long for Personal Revival?

Do you relate to my plant, Lazarus?

Perhaps you feel as though God has tucked you on a shelf and you feel unnoticed. You doubt He sees your struggle. Your loneliness. The pain in your heart.

Or, it could be that your spiritual life seems dry and you yearn for more. More of God. More life. More hope.

Oh, friend, regardless of the trial, God is able to overcome. He hears your prayers and knows every thought before it is conceived. Like light from a window, Christ shines His presence into the most difficult circumstance.

Like light from a window, Christ shines His presence into the most difficult circumstance. #revived #Jesus Click To Tweet

Three Keys to Revival

In the Old Testament, revive means to “cause to live” and restored. Those seeking personal revival–a restored or renewed faith–will find guidance in the words of Psalm 119.

• Revival begins with God’s word. “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” (Verse 25) Of course, the word of God includes the entirety of scripture but it also includes Jesus. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
• Revival requires humility. “My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.” (Verse 28) Commentators contend the Psalmist was lying prone in the dust–possibly near death. In his suffering, he sought God–the one who could console and restore, by reminding himself of the eternal promises of God. The world’s difficulties grow dim beneath the shadow of the cross.
• Revival requires resolve. “I have chosen the way of truth” (Verse 30) and “I cling to Your testimonies” (Verse 31). If we desire personal revival, then we must live with intention–choosing the ways of God. The Bible provides the insight we need to live each day according to the truth as we listen intently for the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

 

A Prayer for Personal Revival

Lord, you know I long for more of you and scripture affirms that you give life abundant. Would you pour out your Spirit in my heart, Lord, so that the thoughts and words flowing from me would reflect your presence in my life? Fill up the parched places of my soul with your grace and mercy and guide me in your ways. Strengthen my resolve and help me to “cling to Your testimonies” that I might glorify you.

In the holy name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

Conclusion

My plant, Lazarus, survived its cycle of struggle and revival for years. But Jesus offers something better. Something irreplaceable and irrevocable. Jesus fills our emptiness with life and the seal of eternity.

And when we our hearts grow faint or our spirits weak, He revives us again. Thank you, Jesus.

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Lauren Sparks

Tammy Kennington

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