Resh ר: Revival According to the Word of God
Psalm 119:153-160 (Part 20)
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
The term “revival” is often associated with evangelizing non-Christians. However, biblically, revival is just as much for Christians who have grown lukewarm, complacent, or weak in faith.
Request for Revival of the Godly in Difficult Times (Psalm 119:153-154).
The psalmist was devoted to meditating on and studying God’s word daily. Even as he faced constant opposition and lived with affliction, he turned to God in prayer, seeking renewal in his crisis. Rather than being driven away from God, his suffering drew him closer to God’s word. He pleaded with God to see his plight and redeem him from the hands of the ungodly. The psalmist recognized that true revival comes only from God’s word; any revival not grounded in scripture is false or superficial.
Reason for No Revival to the Ungodly in Difficult Times (Psalm 119:155-156).
The psalmist recognized that the ungodly were far from salvation because they rejected God’s word. Their unbelief and refusal to seek God left them outside His mercies, even though God remains compassionate. True revival and salvation are inseparable from God’s word, which is both the source and standard for spiritual renewal.
Reason for Revival to the Godly in Difficult Times (Psalm 119:157-158).
Life in a fallen world means facing many adversaries—persecutors, enemies, and the treacherous. The psalmist did not ignore these realities or his feelings toward the wicked. Yet, he chose to trust God’s word, refusing to despair or question God’s love and grace. He affirmed that a godly life is not free from trouble but is steadfastly anchored in scripture.
True and Lasting Revival Comes by God’s Word (Psalm 119:159-160).
The psalmist prayed for revival based not on his own merit but on God’s lovingkindness. He depended entirely on God’s steadfast love, as revealed in His word. He declared the eternal and infallible nature of scripture—God’s judgments endure forever, and His word remains true.
Conclusion
We desire renewal when facing difficult times. While the ungodly may reject God and His ways, we, as believers in God, are called to draw nearer to Him through trials and hardships. Affliction does not drive us from God, but instead, His word becomes our refuge and strength. Through scripture, we encounter God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. Let us continually pray for revival, grounded in God’s Word, as we seek to draw closer to Him amid all our challenges.
Are you seeking revival through God’s word in your struggles?