Revive Me O Lord

Audio, Chronic Illness, Devotional, Lee Ann Zanon | 6 comments

Revive us again, Lord.

Will you not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? (Psalm 85:6)

REVIVE ME, O LORD

I am weary. The sporadic ups and downs of chronic pain drain body and soul. Canceling plans yet again because of aching joints and swirling anxiety evokes deep sadness. I cry out to God with raw emotion, pouring out the despair of endless setbacks.

I open my Bible to the day’s selected text, stunned by its timeliness: I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word. (Psalm 119:107) This psalm includes five additional repetitions of revive me, revealing ongoing pleas for help.

Psalm 85:6 also implores, Will you not revive us again?

In her book Chronic Illness—Walking by Faith, author Esther Smith observes, “One day you wake up feeling decent, and the next day you feel like you have been hit by a truck. The reason for the sudden change is uncertain … You work hard to figure out what triggers your symptoms, but if you are like many people, this may feel like a fruitless effort … It’s demoralizing never to know how your body will feel or respond.”

Discovering I am not alone in my struggles brings profound comfort. I find hope in knowing my experience is not new or unique. Whether exhausted from chronic pain, chronic illness, mental illness, or other hardships, we all need the renewal only God can give.

 

GOD IS OUR SOURCE OF RESTORATION

Psalm 119 uses the phrase according to when describing the multi-faceted source of divine restoration:

  • His lovingkindness (verses 88,149, and 159),
  • His Word (verses 107 and 154), and
  • His judgments (verse 156).

Each aspect is intrinsic to the Lord’s character, never-ending and never changing.

Nineteen chapters later, Psalm 138:7 declares a dramatic shift in perspective with faith prevailing over fear and fatigue: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me … and Your right hand will save me.

In the original Hebrew, trouble refers to adversity, anguish, distress, and tribulation. Yet even amid these extreme difficulties, God’s faithful care sparks confidence and hope.

The Lord is able and willing to revive us. He invites us to ask and trust Him for all we need whenever we need it.

AN INVITATION

I invite you to explore Chronic Joy’s printable resources, Prayers for the Journey and 25 Verses to Comfort and Encourage. Both offer practical help in bringing our requests to God and finding strength in His promises.

 

PRAYER

Gracious God, You see our suffering. Thank You for Your power to revive body and soul. Remind us to turn to You often, rest in Your love, and receive Your gift of renewal. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

  • What elements of your life need revival from God?
  • What hinders you from bringing those needs to Him?
  • Where in Scripture can you find encouragement?
Happy Bubbles
Lee Ann Zanon

Lee Ann Zanon

Chronic Joy® Staff Writer

Lee Ann is passionate about spreading the truth of Scripture. For decades, she served in various women’s ministry roles (including teaching at Corban University for ten years) until chronic pain dramatically changed her life. Her background as a Bible teacher, retreat speaker, worship leader, editor, and writer has prepared her perfectly for her current focus on writing and providing one-on-one encouragement. Lee Ann and her husband Mike live in Salem, Oregon. They have two married daughters and four grandchildren. She is the author of Honest Hope.

Verses to Comfort and Encourage

25 Verses to Comfort and Encourage

When we’re lonely, anxious, afraid, or overwhelmed, the most significant thing we can do is turn to the one who knows us and loves us completely – the God of all comfort.

FREE PRINTABLE
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