“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Ps 85:6).
Scripture reveals several indicators of authentic revival. Our text cites joy as one such byproduct of God’s reviving activity. When the disciples met the resurrected Son, “they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). This joy and gladness continued in the Early Church past Pentecost, as the saints had sweet fellowship at the temple and from house to house (Acts 2:47). Brethren, this gloom and doom is not part and parcel of authentic revival! These long faces we link with deep spirituality have nothing to do with the Holy Spirit (see Gal. 5:22). Truly spiritual people are full of joy, within, without and shared. Let us embrace the fruit of joy born from an encounter with the risen Lord by His Spirit today. He’s alive! Rejoice!
Pastor Josh