The world is now going through an unprecedented situation of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Governments and Businesses are fighting to survive the effects of COVID-19. While the world faces the question of survival, the Church is facing the question of revival! Has the commotion of coronavirus brought a new quest for spiritual revival in our churches? Have the uncertainties around us ignited a longing for spiritual restoration in our families?
The word “revival” comes from two Latin words “re” (back, again) and “Vivere” (live). To be revived, one must have been living once. In the context of the Church, then, true revival is the restoration of spiritual vitality that it once enjoyed. Psalm 85:6 says, “Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” The psalmist asks for a revival to rejoice in the Lord! So the process of revival and the state of rejoicing in the Lord are intrinsically interconnected. Amidst all the uncertainties and adversities we currently go through, are we rejoicing in the Lord? If not, we do need a “Revival.”
The churches may be closed, and the opportunities for fellowships may be scarce. However, thanks to the online live services through social media and other technology platforms, the Church comes into our homes through our electronic devices! Our homes are turning into mini-churches, and multiple such services are being held in the same neighborhood. The voices of prayer and worship are rising from many living rooms! These voices cannot and will not go in vain. Because Obed-Edom was willing to host the ark of the Lord in his house, God blessed him abundantly (2 Sam. 6). The prayers and worship from our homes are the sources of a spiritual blessing for us!
The cities, states, and countries may be locked down, but the Word of God is NOT locked! Let us open our houses and hearts for the Word of God so that it can provide us with divine comfort that surpasses all human understanding! Turn the social distancing into spiritual nearness to God! Let the fear of virus turn into the peace of God! Our question is not about survival but revival! Like the psalmist, do we long for a revival to rejoice in the Lord? Do we wish to spend the extra time we get in the presence of God and His Word? Are we enjoying the joy and eternal pleasures in His presence (Ps. 16:11)? If the answer is not an emphatic “yes,” let us pray with the psalmist, “God revive us again so that we may rejoice in You!”
