Part 1

Will You Not Revive Us Again?

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” – Psalm 85:6 ESV

Revival is a concept many of us hear about, but what does it truly mean? It’s not about being “woke” but being spiritually awake—alive to God’s presence and purpose. As Romans 13:11 reminds us: “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

But what exactly is revival? It’s not a mystical phenomenon but simply a return to something’s original condition—a spiritual restoration. Think of an old, beat-up car being restored to its former glory. In the same way, revival for believers means returning to that first bloom of love and passion for Jesus Christ.

What Revival Looks Like

For those who’ve walked with the Lord for a while, it’s easy to let that initial passion fade. Revival reignites that spark, renewing the joy and intimacy we once had with Christ. To help us experience revival, let’s focus on three key elements summarized by the acronym CPR:

1. Christ-Centered Revival

2. Pursue His Presence

3. Renew and Restore Lives

1. Christ-Centered Revival

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28

Jesus must be at the center of revival. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Our salvation, eternal life, and stability all rest in Him. However, a shallow understanding of Jesus limits our faith and spiritual growth.

It’s not enough to view Him solely through the lens of His sacrifice on the Cross. We need to embrace His life, teachings, and example as the foundation of our lives. Revival begins when we fully recognize and live out the truth that everything we are and have is found in Him.

2. Pursue His Presence Passionately

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

God’s presence is not far off; it’s closer than we realize. Just as you can sit in the same room with a friend and fail to connect because of distractions, you can live the Christian life without fully engaging with God’s nearness.

Seeking God’s presence means intentionally turning your heart and mind toward Him. Emotions aside, God is already with you. Revival flourishes in an atmosphere of spiritual hunger and intimacy with God. Practical steps to cultivate His presence include:

• Prayer and worship

• Fasting

• Regular engagement with the Holy Spirit

When we passionately pursue God, we experience the fullness of His presence.

3. Renew and Restore Lives

“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3

Revival is incomplete without renewal. God desires to take the broken, forgotten, and abandoned areas of our lives and restore them. No matter what challenges you faced last year, God remains in control. Trust Him with your hopes, dreams, and brokenness.

Renewal also includes a fresh start in our minds, hearts, and relationships. As we allow God to renew and restore us, we can experience transformation in every area of life.

Practical Steps to Revival

To experience revival, we must commit to:

1. Keeping Christ at the Center: Build your life around Him.

2. Pursuing His Presence: Seek Him daily with intentionality.

3. Allowing Him to Restore You: Let go of brokenness and trust Him to renew your life.

Revival is not about shortcuts or temporary fixes—it’s about a deep and lasting transformation. As we seek God with all our hearts, may our prayer echo Psalm 85:6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

Closing Thought:

Let this year be the season where we wake up spiritually, draw closer to God, and live fully in His presence.