"Will You Not Revive Us Again"

When it rains, most people go inside to avoid getting wet. But I can remember many a summer day here in Texas when folks would run outside their homes to stand in a downpour. They were exuberant, because after experiencing months of scorching temperatures and crippling drought, the sheer joy of a life-giving rain made getting soaked a pleasure.

Just as a physical drought teaches us that there is no substitute for rain, a time of spiritual dryness burns into us the truth that we cannot live without God’s renewing Spirit. Hymn writer James McGranahan expressed his longing for spiritual revival in these words: “Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.”

During times of spiritual dryness, when we long for a sense of the presence and power of God, we echo the psalmist’s prayer: “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (Psalm 85:6-7).

The spiritual refreshing we crave comes only from above (cf. Ezekiel 34:22-26). Christ alone can satisfy our spiritual thirst with the “living water” He promises to all who come to Him (John 4:14).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets