There are nine verses in Psalm 119 that have the phrase, “Revive me.” I’m working on memorizing them just for the nourishment of my own soul. Do you do that? Sometimes I get away from Scripture memory, but I always regret it. It is one of the most fruitful and spiritually rewarding disciplines we can practice. May I suggest you search out those nine verses and start there?

We talk a lot about revival; at least I do. It has been a consistent theme of my ministry, study and praying for 30 years. And it is happening, in other parts of the world, China, for example. Inspite of, or because of intense persecution, 80,000 Chinese are coming to faith in Christ every day! So, even though it’s not happening in North America, let’s not think for a moment that the Father has stopped pouring out His Spirit on mankind in times of refreshing and harvest.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s wonderful that God is reviving and multiplying His church in other lands. And it’s tragic what is happening in the USA, and what is not happening. But what about me? Can I not be revived? NOW? Can I not experience the fullness of God’s Spirit? Can I not bloom like a rose in the desert?”

There is a short, encouraging answer, and then, there is a longer, more challenging one. My first response is, “Of course you may.” The promises of God for a deeper, purer, more satisfying walk with Him are sure and true. The command to be filled with the Spirit is proof that it is God’s will for you. I’ve read and heard lots of formulas on how to experience your own personal revival, but they can all be boiled down to confess your sins, ask to be filled with the Spirit and appropriate His fullness by faith. Pretty simple, 1, 2, 3.

The hitch is in our shallow view of confession. We tend to have a drive-thru, fast food, sound byte version of confession of sins. Agree with God. “Yep, Lord, I did it again. Sorry ‘bout that.” In our not too subconscience, we’re almost thinking, “And I’ll probably do it again. Don’t want to; don’t really plan on it. But I know me and it’s just my particular weakness.” We’re kind of like the soldier going into battle planning on not getting shot “very much.”

Genuine confession is a little deeper than that. A lot deeper and more profound. Confession cannot be isolated from repentance. True repentance involves a change of attitude about sin. There is a genuine sorrow and brokenness, a contrition (grinding into powder) over our sin; not only individual sins, but the corruption of our hearts that gives birth to sinful acts, deeds and thoughts. We must despise the sin in us that spit in the face of Jesus. Hate it! Forsake it! Abandon it! Crave holiness and purity of heart. Hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Actually, our shallow view of confession is a reflection of our shallow view of the Holiness of God. Holy! Holy! Holy!

Yes, you may be revived. Do you want it bad enough? Do you want Him enough?

For personal and corporate revival,
Dan