Finding God in the Chaos
The Quiet Revival
In the chaos of a world locked down, I longed for spiritual revival. For a soul-reconnect with God. For a move of the Holy Spirit that would surround with peace and comfort in the overwhelm of statistics, death, and the unhinged anger and fear of a world gone mad.
I entreated the Lord for fresh fervor and a strengthened relationship with Him. That year, the Father anchored my spirit with the word revived and, as with Elijah in the wilderness, He met me. Not on the mountaintop, but in the quiet hush of prayer.
If you’re traversing the wilderness—a landscape marked by mental, emotional, or spiritual weariness—this month’s series is for you.
Wilderness seasons, often rife with pain, seem as endless as a barren desert. I’ve trod through my wastelands wondering, “How long, Lord?”
Are you, too, questioning your journey? Has the heartache led you to a place that requires His touch alone? You’re in good company. Even the men and women whose stories weave throughout the Bible experienced the wilderness.
The Concubine’s Wilderness
Abandoned and hopeless, Hagar wandered the wasteland—a witness to her child’s certain death. But El Roi, the God Who Sees, satisfied her thirst with a personal encounter and a fresh spring of water.
El Roi sees you, too. Your lonely walk? The hot tears that leave trails on your face? The heartache of watching your precious one hurt? None of it goes unnoticed.
The Prophet’s Wilderness
He conquered the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel, but fear dictated Elijah’s steps as he fled Jezebel’s bloodthirsty cries for revenge. Scripture records the prophet’s words, “It is enough.” (1 Kings 19:4) Depleted and desperate, he begged God for relief. For release.
In the hush of hardship, the Lord met Elijah’s physical needs. Then, He led Elijah to Mount Horeb—a forty-day journey. Once there? The mountain shook and fire roared, but God revealed Himself in a whisper.
Your struggles and mine are sometimes a summons. A holy request to lean in that we might hear the voice of the One who considers our questions. Responds to our hurts. Strengthens our hearts.
Jesus’ Wilderness
You know the Lord calls you deeper—into ministry. Obedience. Sacrifice. Shedding your outer tunic, you wade into the chill of the Jordan River. The hand of God envelopes your body as John the Baptist plunges you beneath the water. When you emerge, spectators gasp as the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. (Luke 3:22)
We might have expected the Son of God to celebrate or ride through Jerusalem announcing His position as Messiah. Instead? Jesus journeyed through the desert—a forty-day trial of self-denial, satanic seduction, and supernatural safekeeping.
Jesus wielded the word as a weapon and defeated the Enemy’s attempts to overcome. When we battle for our faith, scripture is a fortress and refuge for our parched souls. A balm that not only assuages our weariness but prepares us for ministry.
Do you relate to any of the stories above? Has someone abandoned you? Does worry grip your heart because a loved one in your life suffers? Maybe you feel broken enough to mimic Elijah’s words, “It is enough.”
I’ve been there, too.
Spiritual platitudes won’t ease the struggle, but I’m convinced that drawing near to Him will comfort your heart and resurrect hope. Consider the lessons learned from Hagar, Elijah, and Christ, who illustrate key points about personal revival.
The Lord revives our hearts even in the lonely places of wilderness and wandering.
Revival begins in the quiet. In the stillness and hush of waiting.
God meets us in our overwhelm and ushers an invitation to draw near.
Even in the desert seasons, our decisions matter. Will we rely on the Truth to strengthen us, or will we deny Him in our distress or difficulty?
7 Bible Verses About Revival
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6 (NIV)
For thus says the One high and lifted up
Who dwells forever, whose name is Holy,
“I dwell on a high and holy place,
And also with the crushed and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly
And to revive the heart of the crushed. Isaiah 57:15 (LSB)Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 (LSB)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… Joel 2:25-26 (ESV)
My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to your word. Psalm 119:25 (ESV)
This Week’s Spiritual Application
During the next seven days, set aside at least 5-15 minutes daily to soak in the presence of God. Invite the Holy Spirit to meet with you. Journal what He speaks to your heart, or record your response to the peace and calm you enjoy in those moments.
Remember, revival starts small, whether on an individual or national level.
A Simple Prayer for Renewal
Lord, I long for the refreshing flow of your Spirit to move in my life. You know my heart and the struggles I face. Give me renewed hope, Jesus, and meet me in the stillness.
Amen
P.S. Which Bible verse spoke to your heart today, and why?
In an old clapboard church in Detroit many years ago, we used to sing a song to the words of Isaiah 40:31, and now the song is running though my head. 😌🦅
This is a beautiful truth, Tammy, "He met me. Not on the mountaintop, but in the quiet hush of prayer. Revival begins in the quiet; in the stillness and hush of waiting."