Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in GOD’s Word, with a grand total of 176 verses. The psalmist writes vivid and profound words in praise of the Scriptures. It also contains a variety of sub-themes.
One sub-theme focuses on personal revival. The English word for revival is the merging of two Latin words, re (“again”) and vival (“to live,” from the Latin vivere). Revival means “to live again.”
We all need personal revival. Psalm 119 communicates the “how.” Let’s take a look.
Verse 25b: “Revive me according to Your Word.”
Verse 40b: “Revive me in Your righteousness.”
Verse 88a: “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness.”
Verse 107: “Revive me, O LORD, according to Your Word.”
Verse 149b: “O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.”
Verse 154b: “Revive me according to Your Word.”
Verse 156b: “Revive me according to Your judgments.”
Verse 159b: “Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.”
According to the psalmist, believers are revived (1) according to Your Word, (2) in your righteousness, (3) according to your lovingkindness, (4) according to Your justice, and (5) according to your judgments.
ANSWER
Here is an excellent definition of “revival.” Revival refers to a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God’s holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness. Revival invigorates and sometimes deepens a believer’s faith, opening his or her eyes to the truth in a fresh, new way. It generally involves the connotation of a fresh start with a clean slate, marking a new beginning of a life lived in obedience to God. Revival breaks the charm and power of the world, which blinds the eyes of men, and generates both the will and power to live in the world but not of the world.
Revival, in many respects, replicates the believer’s experience when he or she is saved. It is initiated by a prompting of the Holy Spirit, creating an awareness of something missing or wrong in the believer’s life that can only be righted by
God. In turn, the Christian must respond from the heart, acknowledging his or her need. Then, in a powerful way, the Holy Spirit draws back the veil the world has cast over the truth, allowing the believers to fully see themselves in comparison to God’s majesty and holiness. Obviously, such comparisons bring great humility, but also great awe of God and His truly amazing grace (Isaiah 6:5). Unlike the original conversion experience that brings about a new relationship to God, however, revival represents a restoration of fellowship with God, the relationship having been retained even though the believer had pulled away for a time.
Psalm 85:6 is a desperate prayer of the psalmist that every believer should pray: “Will You not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You?
Pastor Mike