Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7)

There can be no doubt that we have the ability to inhibit the work of the Lord in our life. The Scripture bears that as being true, and certainly our own experiences agree. How many times have we watched those that we pray for choke out the work of the Lord in their life through hardheartedness? We can stop the revival for our own life. Though we possess some power and responsibility in revival, we dare not come to the conclusion that revival is any less than an act of the Lord. He is the God of all life and the Author of our new life by His own resurrection. The Psalmist David, in the verse above, is confident in what the Lord can do in His life.

It is important to note the first phrase in this test. All of the great things experienced in this passage occur even in the midst of trouble. I think as Christians we often equate salvation with a carefree, easy life. Nothing is farther from the truth. Instead, I believe that we will experience more troubles from our conversion (and even more as the days grow darker). This world is in opposition to God and His people. It makes sense then that we would have troubles. But troubles need not rule out a healthy relationship with the Lord. It has always been the giants of the faith that have turned to the Lord in their distresses. Whatever it is that plagues your soul today, God can still work out His will in your life.

The promises of this text tell us that God will offer us revival and deliverance. These assertions are not just "pie in the sky" theological wishes. These statements convey a quiet, deliberate trust in God despite the circumstances. Notice, God will revive, God will stretch out His hand, God will save. David had found himself in trouble many times in his life, but never had he found himself where God could not reach him. When David stood before Goliath, God was there guiding the stone from the sling. When David fled before the wrath of Saul, God was there leading him and providing for him. When David sinned with Bathsheba, God was there ready to cleanse him. David truly knew that the Lord would never leave him nor forsake him. So we have these confident writings to encourage our hearts today.

I do not know what the Lord has in store for this community and this revival, but I know the potential is limitless, for God's power is limitless. I encourage each of you to come and participate in these surfaces. Bring your broken hearts, your shattered dreams, your fear and anxieties with you; the Lord desires to deliver you. Come to the throne of grace seeking help in your time of trouble; the Lord desires to redeem you. Let us worship the Lord together in the beauty of His holiness, for the Lord desires to revive each of us. All He asks is for the opportunity. See you at the revival!