Revivals change people, communities, and even nations for the better. Every true revival in history has restored and improved such things as the moral compass of individuals, healing, care for the “lease of these,” business dealings, and even governments. Knowing what revival is (Part 1) and what not to do in stewarding it (Part 2) is important, but how do we get there in the first place? Revival is not something humans can conjure though no doubt some have tried. God is the originator and controller of the outpourings of His grace and supernatural moves, but is there something that moves the heart and hand of God? What can we do to position ourselves to petition for and to receive revival?
REMOVE THE HIGH PLACES
The high places in Scripture are places of worship, including worship of idols (Lev. 26:30). It’s easy to comprehend idolatry in the context of ancient paganism—Baal and Ashteroth. The idols of the twenty-first century are no less objectionable albeit subtle—entertainments, financial prowess, talents, celebrities, hobbies, excessive devotion to duties. These do not necessarily have to be things considered sinful. Even ministries can be idolatrous when they are more focused on doing good works than loving God. Good works must be the outcome of loving God, not the path to righteousness. Is there something occupies the center of your heart above the love of God? Is there something that draws your attention to the degree that communion with the Lord takes second place or gets short shrift? Idolatry is whatever takes your heart of adoration away from the lover of your soul. In that sense, it is much like adultery in a marriage as the metaphor of marriage betrayal is often used in Scripture to describe idolatry. Psalm 75:58 says, “For they provoked Him with their high places and aroused His jealousy with their graven images.”
RESPECT
Besides the deep love of God, the second great commandment is to love one another. Stored up offenses only end in building thick walls that keep others at arms length. We are called to love one another as Jesus loves. That means we must release offenses with forgiveness to free ourselves. Even when no offense exists, respect one another as fellow heirs of the Kingdom and have the humble heart of a servant. Humility is sometimes misunderstood. It is not feeling unworthy. Rather, it is a deep knowing that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of being loved. Honoring one another then becomes less difficult. Humility also displays an attitude of serving rather than selfish grasping. It may come as a shock, but none of us is the center of the universe. If we are seeking revival, it is sustained for as long as God wills and as we have love for one another.
REPENT
Revivals are characterized by much repentance—change of heart, change of direction, change of loyalties, change of attitudes and opinions. Change is rarely easy, especially when it’s about a well-entrenched character issue. Nevertheless, who would follow someone whose character is shady? Nobody has to tell people who have a conscience what sin is. They already know even when they don’t want to admit it. God knows every human heart, weakness, and frailty. His mercy and grace helps us overcome them as they come to the surface. That is repentance. We have the capacity to make change in areas where we are weak if we allow the Holy Spirit to show us, guide us, and strengthen us to make changes that are pleasing to God.
REJOICE
Scripture gives us 240 places where the word rejoice is used. Rejoicing is often connected to worship, particularly in song, but worship is not just singing along to inspiring songs. It is returning to a place of joy (re-joy: rejoice) again and again to seek the face of God, desiring His presence above all things. It gives strength in the weary places as well as in the celebrations. Rejoice in speaking, in songs, in work, in prayer, in worship. Rejoice in the little things as well as the mighty miracles. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4).”
REFLECT
Reflect on God’s character—His goodness, mercy, unfailing love, faithfulness, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence. Meditate on His Word and the richness it holds out for every situation. Pray without ceasing in divine communion in the secret place of the Most High. Selah.
I am convinced that revival starts as a seed in yielded individuals who have prepared the soil of their hearts to receive God’s grace. They allow the wind and breath of the Holy Spirit to overshadow them and fill them. They join with kindred hearts in pursuing revival and expressing it outwards to touch the world. May it be true of hungry hearts today seeking a new outpouring to bring light to this generation.