restoration and revival

Restore us again, O God of our salvation,

and put away your indignation toward us!

Will you not revive us again,

that your people may rejoice in you?

Psalm 85:4, 6

When God does His saving work, He restores a relationship broken by our sin. He restores us in love even though our sin was worthy of His anger. He looks upon Jesus Who bore all God’s wrath in our judgment on the cross, and He lifts us, unworthy sinners though we are, to be His children… to be loved family now… recipients of mercy, grace, and restored relationship.

The God Who restores in salvation also lovingly restores in circumstances. He comforts the broken-hearted. He breaks the chains of captivity. He tears down the wall of hostility and releases those once hostage to sin’s suffering. He restores us again!

And this psalm reminds us that God cares not just about our spiritual condition, but also our emotional state. He revives the spirits of the souls He restores. Restoration and revival walk us hand-in-hand into the presence of a loving Father… they lead us, by Jesus, to not only be forgiven, but to feel the joy of revived life and restored fellowship. This is a relationship we know and feel. It moves us. Christians are on a long journey home, but it is a road of joy, renewal, grace, and revival. Restoration and revival are my soul’s growing place even as Jesus keeps leading me home to the Father step by step each day. Thank You, Lord!