“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” —Psalm 85:6 ESV

Revive embraces a joyful longing of the soul. I feel this most during personal crises when I have no idea where the unexpected exhilaration originated, until I reflect on my God who loves me. 

The original Hebrew word, chayah, means “to live” or “to have life.” It appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis to Zechariah—roughly 260 times—underscoring how deeply the Jewish people valued a life woven with God’s righteous laws.

The Greek counterpart, anazao, translates to “to live again” or “to come to life again.” Both languages paint a vivid picture of spiritual renewal. Our souls rejoice in the God who gives us meaning and purpose—a God who revives us again and again.

We long for lives brimming with joy, peace, and fulfillment. These are internal treasures—gifts from God. Nothing the world offers can truly satisfy the soul like the One who breathes life into us. We stumble, confess, and He lifts us back to our feet.

His Revival

When God revives us, hope springs alive. It radiates from our every breath—so much so that others notice. This hope-filled presence can spark conversations and open doors to share the gospel.

Though revival is a gift from God, we have a responsibility to nurture that renewal through an intimate relationship with Him. This includes worshiping in community and in our personal lives, allowing His character to reflect through us into a hurting world.

Seven Ways to Revive Your Spirit—So You Can Revive Others

1. Accept God’s gift of salvation. Confess your sins and surrender your life to Jesus Christ, who suffered and died to redeem us. He is Lord.
2. Prioritize a daily quiet time. Read Scripture and pray. Many people also journal thoughts and prayers. Adding a daily devotion can enrich this time.
3. Join and participate in a Bible-believing church. Grow through teaching, worship, and service in community.
4. Build godly friendships. Lean on believing friends for encouragement, prayer, praise, and accountability.
5. Give thanks for God’s gifts—and use them to glorify Him. Gratitude fuels joy and obedience.
6. Share the Gospel. Live out and speak about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This happens when we deliver a meal to a shut-in; smile at a stranger, and/or give without thought of return.
7. Serve God with every breath. Let your daily life reflect your devotion to Him.

A revived life is a life worth living—one centered on God.

Are you seeking to revive your soul today? Perhaps now is the time to journal a prayer of renewal and sharing with a friend.