Written by Debbie Taylor Williams
Excerpted pages 185-186 from “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” Used by Permission
Do you ever feel bone dry, like you have nothing left to give? As Christians we have the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus referred to as rivers of living water, in our innermost being. However, there may be times when we don’t sense the flow or even the trickle of Holy Spirit. We may wake up and not feel joyful. We may not feel like facing the day or our responsibilities. Maybe we simply aren’t morning people. Or we may have sinned and grieved the Holy Spirit. When we feel drained, dry, or empty—for whatever reason—our souls crave a fresh drink of the Holy Spirit, whether we realize it or not.
When the psalmist felt that way, he knew right where to go—to God and His words: “Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me through Your righteousness” (Psalm 119:40). The word “revive” in this passage is translated from the Hebrew word chayah, the same word translated “quicken.” It is a primitive root word that means “to live, be quickened, restore to life or health, from sickness, discouragement, faintness, death, to refresh, cause to grow.”
In the same way that a person may arrive at a hospital appearing lifeless and in need of medical attention, such as CPR, we may at times need reviving. How does the Lord revive us? Through His breath, or Spirit. In intimacy, at the foot of God’s throne, with our Bibles open, the Lord our Righteousness lifts the burdens of our hearts. He forgives the guilt of our sin. The Holy Spirit blows over our weary minds, refreshing and invigorating our thoughts. Christ’s living Spirit flows through us, cleansing us of yesterday’s debris and filling the reservoir of our hearts with His love, joy, energy, and peace. We are revived in God’s presence by His righteousness. Our hollow spirits are filled with His righteous Spirit.
Feeling a little droopy? Maybe bone dry? Sin got you dragging your feet? Join this psalmist at the table of the Lord! The fresh wind of the Spirit can revive your soul. With the psalmist we can pray for others and ourselves, “Revive me through Your righteousness.”
Question: How does praying to Righteous God encourage you?
*Sometimes, “pennies in your path” show up when you refocus on God’s righteousness.
Growing Deeper-
One Action Step: In Debbie’s book, she writes about being transformed and living with passion through prayer. She walks you through what she calls, “Stop, Drop, and PRAY.”
“The moment we smell a defeated attitude or sin overtaking us, we can stop and turn to God’s Word or stop and pray. Rather than walk in mediocrity or sin, we can drop to our knees in prayer. When, like Jesus, we stop, drop to our knees, and PRAY-Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield-we’ll break free of the wilderness loop that keeps us tethered in sin and spiritual apathy. We’ll discover the joy of a transformed life!”
Scripture Plunge: John &:38-39, Jeremiah 20:12, Psalm 119:40
About the Author:
Debbie’s desire to help others know God’s life-changing power led her to author 7 books, numerous Bible studies, including her latest online study, “End Times,” and keynote at conferences throughout the United States. Her P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation Conference, held in 47 states, is equipping Christians to pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ. The Hill Country Ministries website reaches thousands of people including 50 countries. You can find her teaching weekly at her church women’s Bible study or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast, Twitter, Debbietaylorwilliams.com
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PODCAST
I invite you to listen to this episode on the Pennies in Your Path podcast.
I invite you to listen to the Hope Filled Conversations podcast, where I co-host with Carolyn Reese. We enjoy exploring the Word of God together and hope that our listeners feel included in our conversations.
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