Psalms of Summer : Psalm 85 - Revive Us Again
Revive Us Again: How to Seek God When You're Spiritually Exhausted
If you feel spiritually stuck, emotionally depleted, or just going through the motions of faith—Psalm 85 is for you. This ancient song of restoration echoes the cries of anyone who's ever longed for revival. It's not about hype or emotional highs, but a deep returning to the God who restores.
What Is Revival, Really?
Psalm 85, written by the descendants of Korah, gives us an unfiltered glimpse into the heart of a people desperate for God. Israel, likely just returned from exile, was broken—exhausted by sin and reeling from judgment. But instead of giving up, they cried out:
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6)
Revival isn't just an event; it's a heart coming back to life in God's presence.
1. Revival Begins with Repentance and Remembering (vv. 1–3)
The psalm opens with a flashback to God's faithfulness:
He restored their fortunes.
He forgave their guilt.
He covered their sin.
Before asking God for something new, the psalmist looks back with gratitude. There can be no revival without repentance—and no repentance without remembering God's mercy.
Gratitude fuels faith; repentance makes room for renewal.
2. Seek the Reviver, Not Just Revival (vv. 4–7)
To be revived means to "live again." But revival isn't about feelings—it's about focus.
We all drift:
Life gets busy
Battles wear us down
Hearts grow cold
Like Gipsy Smith once said, draw a circle around yourself and pray for God to revive everything inside that circle.
Don't just seek God's hand. Seek His face.
Want provision? Seek the Provider.
Long for healing? Seek the Healer.
Crave breakthrough? Chase the Way Maker.
Revival starts when we stop chasing outcomes and start chasing Jesus.
3. Listen with a Postured Heart (vv. 8–9)
"I will listen to what God the Lord says." (Psalm 85:8)
We talk a lot. We pray a lot. But do we listen?
How much of your prayer time is silence?
Are you open to hear even what you don't want to hear?
The psalmist trusts that God will speak peace. And in listening, he hears a promise:
"Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land." (Psalm 85:9)
4. The Harmony That Revival Brings (vv. 10–13)
True revival brings heaven and earth together:
Love and truth meet.
Righteousness and peace kiss.
In Christ, these are not contradictions. They're companions.
Jesus is the fulfillment of revival: truth without condemnation, righteousness without shame, peace with God through grace.
What kind of revival do we need?
Christ-centered.
Christ-exalting.
Biblically rooted and Spirit-empowered.
What This Means for You
If you're exhausted, confused, doubtful, or spiritually dry, make Psalm 85 your prayer:
Revive me again, Lord.
Ask God to:
Rekindle your love for Scripture
Restore joy in your worship
Renew your desire to obey Him
Reignite your passion for His mission
The God who saved you is the same God who revives you.
Continue the Journey
Ready to go deeper?
Visit Experience Church this Sunday in San Francisco or Fairfield
Join a Table Group and grow in community
Request prayer and let someone walk with you
Let this be the season you cry out: "Revive us again, O Lord!"