Why is it Imperative to Experience Revitalization?

You might be thinking that’s a crazy question, because the answer seems so obvious.

Sorry! I don’t mean to insult your intelligence . . .

But let’s dig deeper . . .

I think we would all agree that we love it when we feel really great.

When our energy level is up.

When our motivation is inspired to tackle a project with enthusiasm and

get it accomplished well.

When our relationships are affirming and meaningful to us.

When our financial needs are met.

When we feel exhilarated with new prospects.

When life is good!

Wouldn’t it be glorious if life were always that way?! That is our dream for someday – in the next life. 🙂

However, right here, right now, unfortunately it’s just not always that ideal. I find my life getting very real far too often. How about yours?

Life is so real that relationships can get messy, almost without a moment’s notice. Health deteriorates and leaves us feeling wrung out and hung up to dry. We lose our job and don’t know where the next house payment or groceries are coming from. Sometimes we may even wonder where God has gone, and if He really does care.

Or maybe much of life is going along ok, but you’re feeling hum-drum. Like everything is just the same as it’s been for months, or even years. Nothing is snapping. No new prospects excite your imagination or energize your anticipation. You feel stuck in a deep rut and don’t know how to get out.

Believe me, I’ve experienced all the above scenarios.

And there’s nothing fun about any of them. 🙁  In fact, they can become downright depressing and paralyzing. Maybe even infuriating at times.

We certainly don’t live in a shalom world! And it seems to become increasingly less so with each passing day.

So by now you’re no doubt getting the picture of why I think it’s so important to experience revitalization from time to time – even necessary – imperative.

And actually, more specifically, I’m addressing the need for revival in our souls.

Spiritual revitalization.

Because our souls need to breathe deeply the fresh mountain air of authentic Holy Spirit renewal – often.

Otherwise, we’ll shrivel up and waste away spiritually.

Without vitality for doing the right thing in difficult situations.

Without compassionate outreach to those in need of our help.

Without concern for lost souls wondering around in the darkness of

their enslaving sins.

And without the inspiration and motivation to praise and

worship the Lord, our Creator, our Provider, our Salvation

(Romans 1:18-23).

Our souls need to breathe in deeply the fresh air of revival breezes . . .

To maintain right relationship with our Lord (Psalm 1; John 15:1-8).

To experience the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

To enjoy meaningful interaction with Jesus, our first love

(Revelation 2:1-7).

To be compelled by His love to share His ministry to others

around us who need it (2 Corinthians 5:13-14).

I often remember my professor quoting the quaint expression of Adam Clarke, who said it plainly, “Neither prophet nor private Christian can subsist in the divine life without frequent influences from on high”.

He’s right. I’ve certainly found it so. I begin to get really concerned if I’ve gone very long without hearing from heaven. In fact, my absolute greatest delight is receiving a new word from the Lord in the depth of my inner being. That’s what envelopes my soul in the refreshing mountain air that enables me to breathe deeply and feel energized to go out and face another day in the harsh real world.

So there you have it . . . .

That’s why I long for, and pray for revival . . .

It’s imperative for soul survival !!

Frequent times of new and fresh spiritual revitalization are necessary for soul survival on several levels:

1. On the personal level – as I’ve discussed above.
2. In our families – for the wellbeing and unifying of flourishing family life
3. In our churches – as we gather together in our congregational times of worship, we need for God to “break in” upon us just any time He chooses, to bless us with His felt presence and manifest glory among us, transforming hearts and lives.
4. In the land – yes, the spiritual and moral state of humanity directly affects the productivity of the earth itself . . . (Leviticus 18:24-25; Numbers 35:29-34; Deuteronomy 26-28) (more about this in future posts)
5. Upon a nation – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34) and ”If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land“ (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Let’s not settle for anything less than God’s best for us.

Our souls long for the revitalization that only He can bring.

And He too, longs to pour out His revitalizing Spirit on His people – His Spirit of harmony, wholeness, flourish – shalom – where He is welcomed to do so.

Let’s invite Him with our full-souled ardor!                                       

 

 

 

Find this post meaningful?  I’d love for you to PIN IT!