Revivals are springing up around the country. Responses range from those who are pleased, to those who are surprised, to those who are skeptical. 

What brings revival or awakening? There is no simple answer to this question. There is no technique to employ, no ritual to repeat. The one thing common across ages and people groups and places appears to be people who long for God supremely and are satisfied with nothing less. 

During those awful days of Israel and Judah’s collapse, destruction, and deportation, Asaph prayed with deep conviction, loss, and passion. Psalms 70-83 by Asaph recount the evil of those days. The story he tells is full of hopelessness. 

The only hope of the remnant who survived and remained in the land was the God who brought this destruction on his people just as he said he would when they turned away from him in pursuit of other gods. Asaph acknowledges God’s righteousness and the people’s sin. He knew God was right and they were wrong. They got what they deserved. Now he begged for mercy. He longed for God’s return, his smile, his restoration. 

Prayers like these rose to heaven again and again. Hope-filled praying like this endured. Faithful prayers arose day by day, week after week, month after month, year after year. 

Then we come at last to Psalm 126. God heard and answered the prayers of generations who lived with the deepest loss. God gave a new song.

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When will revival come our way? The calendar and clock are not the best indicators. A heart like Asaph’s daily seeking what only God can provide is indispensable. A dependence on God’s mercy, kindness, and perfect timing is essential. 

When will you sing your new song? 

When no other song will do. When no other prayer will suffice. When no other God is welcome, and only your Father in Heaven is enough.

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I will wait and welcome our Father in Heaven’s fresh and renewing presence.

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Our Father, with Asaph we pray, “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” With the pilgrims returning to all of your goodness and glory across the ages now past we sing, “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest,” (Psalm 126:4-6). Amen.