Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Psalm 119:88
Can I be really honest? This has not been my best running season ever. I ran a couple of good races in the spring, but through the summer and fall, I’ve been something less than enthusiastic. I found a lot of excuses. I didn’t put out my best effort. Really, I ended up with nothing but sweaty clothes to show for my trek outside.
Then a few weeks ago, I had some routine bloodwork done. Elevated HA1C. Borderline diabetes. It wasn’t a complete surprise. I know my genetic makeup, and I had gestational diabetes when I carried my son. My risk is above average. Running immediately became more significant, and more of a priority. I had a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to it. When it came to running, I experienced a revival.
I find I need revival often on my walk with Jesus, and more often than the traditional spring and fall series of meetings. Just like a blood test can alert me to some physiological issues, there are a couple of markers that alert me to deeper spiritual ones.
Lack of compassion – When I find I’m more inwardly focused and tending to ignore the hurting people around me, that’s a warning sign.
Lack of engagement – When I find I’m not mentally present in worship or in my study time or during prayers, that’s a wake-up call.
The solution is two-fold. Just like my HA1C results require a change in diet, revival does, too. I need to change what I’m consuming whether it’s media or the attitudes or ideas of others. Instead, I need to take in generous servings of truth, seeing people the way God sees them.
Then I need to be more intentional about my walk with Jesus. I need to remind myself of His majesty and holiness and greatness, and the wonder of His amazing love for me. The more I honor God in worship the easier it is to follow Him in obedience.
In a few months I’ll have my blood checked again, then I can find out how I’ve done and if further changes are necessary. I don’t have to wait that long to see how I’m progressing on my walk. The Holy Spirit will nudge and encourage me at each step. I just have to make sure I’m listening and making the changes He asks of me.
What about you? Do you need a revival? How do you know? What steps do you take to begin a personal revival?