Revival Begins With Me

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” — Psalm 85:6 (KJV)

When we pray for revival, we often think about what needs to change in our churches, our communities, or our nation. Yet we must also allow God to search our own hearts. Personal revival begins when we stop examining everyone else and honestly examine our walk with the Lord.

Have we allowed prayer to become a formality? Do we read our Bibles expecting God to speak, or merely to finish a daily reading? Has our concern for lost souls grown cold? These questions call for an honest response.

David prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24 (KJV)

Revival involves more than the excitement of a special meeting. Its fruit appears in daily obedience: sin confessed and forsaken, wrongs made right, prayer renewed, and a willing surrender to the Lord’s direction. A heart stirred by God should lead to a life changed by His Word.

For the believer, returning to close fellowship with God does not mean being saved again. Our eternal security rests in Jesus Christ. But sin hinders our fellowship with our heavenly Father, and we need His cleansing.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

As fellowship is restored, our joy in the Lord is renewed. We become more willing to serve, more ready to forgive, and more concerned that others hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, take time to be still before God with an open Bible and an honest heart. Confess the sin He brings to your attention. Obey what His Word makes clear. We cannot make decisions for everyone around us, but each of us can respond to the Lord personally.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal whatever is hindering my fellowship with Thee. Help me to confess and forsake sin, love Thy Word, and obey Thy voice. Renew my joy in Thy salvation and my burden for lost souls. Let revival begin in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.