Psalm 85:6 - “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (NIV)

Good Morning BFB,

Can you sense it? Can you hear it? IT’S REVIVAL TIME! I hope I’m not the only one, but I get excited about revival. It’s a time to be restored. It’s a time of refreshing. It’s the moment when you are poured back into after pouring out all you have. I am ready for revival, and that is my focus for this week. I want us to collectively think on this: REVIVE US AGAIN!

As we prepare for the start of our 87th Anniversary Revival, our hearts echo the same cry found in Psalm 85:6. This psalm was written after Israel’s return from Babylonian captivity. They were home, but not whole. The walls had been rebuilt, but their worship had grown weary. They were tired, just like we sometimes get tired. They were in the right place, but they needed God to bring them back to life.

The psalmist remembered how God had once shown mercy, restored His people, and turned His anger away. But now they needed Him to move again. They didn’t just want normal; they wanted new life. That’s what revival is, when God breathes fresh life into what has become routine.

And as we prepare for revival this week, we can draw three powerful lessons from this ancient prayer.

1. Revival Begins with Reflection

The psalmist looks back and says in verse 1, “You showed favor to your land; You restored the fortunes of Jacob.” 

Before revival can begin, there has to be reflection. Revival doesn’t start with noise or hype. It starts with remembering. When we pause and recall how God has carried us through storms, sickness, and struggle, our faith is stirred for what He can do again.

So before we rush into a new week of worship, take a moment to look back. God has already proven Himself faithful to Beulah First Baptist for 87 years. And if He did it before, He can do it again.

Here's my first question: What has God brought you out of that reminds you He can do it again?

2. Revival Requires Repentance

In verses 4–5, the psalmist cries out, “Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?”

Revival cannot come where sin is comfortable. It comes when hearts are cleansed, and that begins with repentance. That word may not always be easy to hear, but it is necessary. Please remember repentance is not punishment. I believe it is the first step in preparation. Before the fire of revival can fall, the altar of hearts must be clean. If we want to see God move in Beulah this week, He must first move in us.

Here's my second question: What do you need to release so that God can restore?

3. Revival Restores Joy

In verse 6, the psalmist declares, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

When revival comes, joy returns. The psalmist says, “That your people may rejoice in you.” True revival does not just make you shout, it makes you shine. It restores the joy of salvation, the peace of His presence, and the passion to serve again. When revival hits, weariness turns to worship, and sorrow turns into singing. When revival comes you get a second wind and feel ready to serve again.

The same God who brought Israel out of Babylon can bring us out of whatever has us bound—fear, fatigue, frustration, or familiarity. Revival revives not only our hearts but our hope.

Here's my last question: What joy have you lost that you need God to restore this week?

My Closing Challenge For Us: Let’s come this week expecting God to move, not just on Dr. Goodman, but on us. Revival begins when God’s people say, “Lord, do it again and start with me.” It's Revival Time BFB and I can't wait to be revived with you tonight!

I love you and there ain't nothing you can do about it!

In His Service,
FLC