Revive Us Again

And my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I have many memories of church growing up. Some of the standouts include Vacation Bible School, Christmas programs and choir cantatas, potluck meals, Royal Ambassadors, Bible drills, and revival. We had revival services in the spring and the fall, lasting an entire week each time. Many of those years, we would have nightly themes such as pack the pew, bring your family, dress in specific colors. These meetings always meant a new speaker and worship leader. It was at one of these meetings in the fall after I had graduated from college that I walked the aisle and shared my conviction to recommit my life to the Lord and His will. That was the beginning of the Lord working in my life in significant ways. 

A couple of weeks ago, my church held a fall revival. We had some really incredible speakers and music. On the second night, two young ladies arrived late and sat in front of Danette and me. During the invitation, one of those girls raised her hand and then went down front, with her friend accompanying her. She was hesitant at first, but she walked the aisle and then talked with a counselor afterward. We found out later that she had given her life to the Lord that night. It was amazing to watch as the Lord worked. We had 66 people baptized on the Sunday of the last revival meeting!

Many times throughout history, we have seen the people of God rise up and turn back to Him with passion and fervor during times of great revival. Here are a few examples: The Great Awakening, the Protestant Reformation, and the Jesus Movement of the 1960s. Over the past couple of years, revival events have been popping up across the country, especially among young adults in college. One example of this happened at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY, where the revival lasted for 17 days! A recent event at North Carolina State University drew 6,000, with hundreds accepting Christ and 77 baptized. 

Revival is more than an event. It isn’t goosebumps or an emotional high. It isn’t something we manufacture. It is the spiritual awakening of God’s people to their true nature and purpose. Let’s look at an example in Scripture where revival broke out. Read 2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 27-30 and 2 Chronicles 30:1-9, 26-27. 

We see in these passages that, after years under the rule of ‘bad’ kings, the Israelites experienced a time of revival under King Hezekiah.  Hezekiah removed pagan objects of worship from the temple and reinstated temple worship of God only. Under Hezekiah’s leadership, the people purified the streets of Jerusalem of pagan altars. And, he brought back the Passover celebration. 

Revival is God breathing life into what felt lifeless, awakening what we thought was gone, reminding us that He is still working, still calling, still capable of transforming anything surrendered to Him. I think we can all agree that our churches need revival. Our nation needs revival. And, this revival must start with each of us. It begins when we turn our hearts back toward God with sincerity, humility, repentance, and a desire to change and live a life of obedience.

May Psalm 85:6 be our prayer for spiritual awakening, renewal, and God’s fresh outpouring: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Call to Action

How have you been drifting or settling spiritually?

What might repentance and obedience look like for you today?

What do you need to remove or realign in your life to make space for God?

How can you cultivate a “revival-ready” heart—one that stays soft, open, and hungry for God?

Digging Deeper

Read Acts 2 to see where the Holy Spirit came, Peter gave a powerful message, people repented, and the church grew by three thousand! Check out these additional verses: Psalm 51:10, Lamentations 5:21, Habakkuk 3:2, Acts 3:19-20.

Prayer
Lord, bring revival in my heart. Renew what has grown dull. Wake up what has fallen asleep. Restore my joy. Breathe fresh life into every place in my life that needs Your touch. Amen.

In the words of the hymn, ‘Revive Us Again’, written in 1863:

Revive us again;

Fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled

With fire from above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.

Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.

Revive us again.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens