Do We Need Revival?

Having grown up in the south I'm very familiar with the word "revival" and all its different meanings. Yet this morning while praying the thought came to me "Do we need revival?" Usually the good Christian answer is "YES!"  But before I go there, let's look at a couple of things.

First, what is revival?  It is something more than a series of meetings at a church.  It is something more than an event that lasts a few days.  It is something more than passionate worship and powerful preaching.  Revival is an awakening to the reality and presence of God.  It is dead people coming to life.  It is hard hearted individuals being broken by their sin and healed by God's grace.  It is when a group of people become God's people (Jeremiah 17:7) and are changed forever.

Second, what does it take for revival to occur?  I think more than a spot on the church calendar, revival requires a fresh move of God brought about by the cries of God's people, a strong conviction of sin, and mighty wave of repentance.  This means revival won't always be pleasant or comforting, but rather challening and purifying first, following by the joy of the Lord.

Based on all of this I think it is clear that we need revival but perhaps the better question is "Do we want revival?"

Psalm 85:6

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?