REVIVE

¹Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
²You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.
³You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.
⁴Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us.
⁵Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
⁶Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you?
⁷Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
⁸Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
⁹Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
¹⁰Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
¹¹Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
¹²The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
¹³Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

On a hot day, nothing looks more refreshing than a cool drink of water. And I envision such an image as I read this Psalm and see ‘revive’ shimmer. The relief that first long drink provides. The movement of the water as it is first touching my lips, then down my throat. And that reflexive ‘ah’ that follows. I am revived and renewed to continue. Whether its to walk a little further or see a little clearer God’s hope and salvation.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, speak again of your hope and salvation to revive my soul and uplift our hearts. We thirst for such righteousness and pray you will again provide; Christ Jesus heal us. Amen.