Psalm 119:145-176

“Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness. O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.” (Psalm 119:149, NKJV)

Psalm 119 is clearly about esteeming God’s Word, but it is also about revival. Nine times the psalmist asks God to revive him. Four of these are in the last 32 verses that we cover today. If there is one thing we need personally and nationally, it is revival.

In this first example, the psalmist asks to be heard because of the LORD’s lovingkindness. Who are we that God should even listen to our prayers? But He does listen to us because of His lovingkindness. We love and seek Him because He first loved us. The psalmist then prays to be revived according to God’s justice. Perhaps he had become bitter because he felt wronged by God or by others. But now he hoped in God’s perfect justice to revive his heart. God would right every wrong in His time.

“Plead my cause and redeem me. Revive me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:154, NKJV)

Second, he prays that God would revive him according to His word. This is what we would expect in a psalm about the Word of God. But it also demonstrates that revival always involves renewed interest in the Bible. Revival is the Spirit of God coming upon the people of God through the Word of God.

“Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD. Revive me according to Your judgments.” (Psalm 119:156, NKJV)

Third, he prays that God would revive him according to His judgments. God’s judgments are what He brings into the lives of His children to discipline and correct them. These can certainly be a wake-up call! God’s judgments cause us to humble ourselves, to confess our sins, and to repent. This is always the beginning of revival.

“Consider how I love Your precepts. Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.” (Psalm 119:159, NKJV)

Finally, the psalmist prays that God would revive him according to His lovingkindness. This is the greatest motivating force in revival. God’s goodness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When I see how good God has been toward me, how much He loves me, and how patient He has been with me, then it makes me want to turn away from anything that would grieve His heart.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is an exhaustive study of the benefits of God’s Word. But it is also a powerful means of revival for anyone who will meditate on it and do what it says. Revive us, O LORD!