Sermon: “Revive Us Again”
Text: Psalm 85
One of the greatest needs in every generation is not merely better governments, stronger economies, or greater education. The greatest need is for God to visit His people again. Psalm 85 is the cry of a nation that had known God’s blessing but had drifted away and longed for His restoring hand.
The sons of Korah begin by looking back rather than looking around. They remember the days when God blessed the land, forgave their sins, and turned away His wrath. They knew that if God had done it before, He could do it again. Faith is often strengthened by remembering the faithfulness of God in yesterday’s battles.
How often we forget what God has already done. We remember our present troubles but forget His past victories. David remembered the lion and the bear before he faced Goliath. Israel remembered the Red Sea. We should remember the cross, the empty tomb, answered prayers, and the countless times God has carried us through difficulties.
The psalm then becomes a heartfelt prayer:
“Turn us, O God of our salvation… Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:4,6)
Notice they do not simply pray for better circumstances—they pray for changed hearts. True revival is not people becoming more religious; it is God’s people returning wholeheartedly to Him. Revival begins when we acknowledge our need, confess our sins, humble ourselves, and seek God’s face.
Throughout history, every great revival began with praying people. Whether in homes, churches, or quiet places where no one else could see, God answered humble hearts that cried out to Him.
The psalmist then says:
“I will hear what God the Lord will speak.”
Prayer is not only speaking to God; it is listening for His voice. Too often we rush into His presence with our list of requests and leave before He has spoken to us through His Word. God still speaks through the Scriptures, through the work of His Holy Spirit, and through faithful preaching that exalts Christ.
One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible follows:
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85:10)
These words find their fullest meaning at Calvary.
At the cross, God’s mercy reached sinful mankind, yet His truth was never compromised. God’s righteousness demanded that sin be judged, and God’s peace was purchased through the blood of His Son. Justice and love met perfectly in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Only God could bring together what seemed impossible. Through Christ, sinners can be forgiven without God lowering His holy standard.
The closing verses describe the blessings that follow when God restores His people. Truth springs from the earth, righteousness looks down from heaven, the Lord gives what is good, and the land yields its increase. Wherever God truly moves, lives are changed, families are strengthened, churches are renewed, and society feels the influence of people who walk with Him.
Psalm 85 is as relevant today as when it was first written. Many see spiritual decline, confusion, and uncertainty. Yet God’s answer has not changed. He still calls His people to repentance, faith, and prayer. He still delights in showing mercy. He still revives those who seek Him with sincere hearts.
Perhaps today you need personal revival. Maybe your love for Christ has grown cold, your prayer life has weakened, or the joy of your salvation has faded. God’s invitation remains open. He is able to restore what has been lost.
Let this become our prayer:
“Lord, You have blessed Your people before. Do it again. Revive us again, that we may rejoice in You. Let Your mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace be seen in our lives, our churches, and our nation. Begin with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES
Written for georgeswebministries
29 June 2026