You Will Revive Me

James Smith, 1842

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble — You will revive me!" Psalm 138:7

The Christian's path is often lined with tribulation. He walks surrounded by troubles; and whichever way he looks, there is something to grieve him. He grieves over the sins of His own heart and life. He mourns over the ungodly practices of many in the church. He sighs and cries for all the abominations that are done in the land. His God is dishonored, and his heart cannot be unaffected.

Through much tribulation, he must enter into the kingdom of God. If in this life only he had hope, he would be of all men most miserable. But in the midst of trouble, the Lord revives Him. Sometimes He meets him at the throne of grace, softens His heart, draws out His soul in gratitude, or fires him with holy love. This is a little reviving in his bondage. Or, He opens up some sweet portion of His word, and the believer discovers something of the grace, love, and glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This animates, attracts, and inspires him with fresh courage to run the race set before him. Sometimes His appearance as a God of providence, in an unexpected way, bringing relief or deliverance, is the means of reviving. This strengthens faith, encourages hope, and leads forth in praise.

We may seem to lie long without a reviving ray under some afflictive circumstances — but the Lord will revive us, for, "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Let us therefore cry out under a sense of the need of a reviving, "Quicken me according to your Word." Never give way to despondency, even though surrounded by trouble — but wait on the Lord, and He shall save you. When none can deliver you but God, as is sometimes the case; then He will be sure to appear and make a way for your escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The confidence of the Psalmist was strong, "You will revive me." He had tried the Lord before — and proved Him true; he had trusted in Him — and found Him faithful. His faithfulness is like the great mountains. "The counsel of the Lord shall stand forever, and the thoughts of His heart unto all generations. He is in one mind, and who can turn Him? He knows the way we take, and when he has tried us — we shall come forth as gold. He will be as the dew unto Israel. He will come down as rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the earth." His coming down thus — revives, quickens, and cheers us.

Trouble, sanctified trouble, prepares the heart, emptying it of self and other evils. And then the Lord graciously condescends to come and fill it with His presence, blessing, and love.

Tried believer, be upon the lookout, for the reviving presence and blessing of your God. He has said, "I will be with him in trouble." Expect to find Him with you, for He is sure to be as good as His word. He will not fail you nor forsake you. He will come unto you and bless you. Doubt not, Fear not. Wait upon the Lord, for "unto the upright there arises a light in the darkness."

He will not always chide, neither keep His anger forever; He will turn and cause His face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved.