In Isaiah we find God yearning for the ancient Israelites to come back to Him when He states, “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15 NIV, emphasis added).
According to this verse, all that is necessary to see individuals and churches revived is to understand God’s holy position, to have remorse over sin with a true purpose to repent (i.e., have a contrite heart), and to live in a humble posture. If we follow these truths, we will see our hearts revived, and our communities will be impacted! So, allow me to ask a few questions:
1. Do you understand God’s holy position above the universe and desire that God’s holiness be reflected through your life?
2. Do you make a practice of getting low before the Lord by hating sin with a true purpose to repent?
3. Do you value becoming “lowly in spirit,” meaning to live in humility?
4. Do you understand the necessity of having God’s presence revive your heart and bring life into your church?
In these areas, James gives further perspective: “Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you . . .” (James 4:8-10 AMP).
Clearly, to see individuals revived in order that the body of Christ may lead our nation in a godly direction, we need a radical reorientation. Indeed, I want to further recalibrate myself! That’s why I’m excited that Forerunners of America is linking arms with 10 Days, by taking September 9–19 to get low before the Lord. During these ten days, Christians will also believe God to manifest His presence again in our lives, churches, and nation.
Continuous celebration, feel good messages, and turning up the praise music will not revive your heart or church, but according to Isaiah, getting low before the Lord will! If you want to learn more or register your participation with 10 Days, click here.
Whether or not your church can join those in the body of Christ who are seeking the Lord between September 9–19, I encourage you to seek a revived life in Christ. As some have rightly said, the way up to God is the way down through getting low before Him!
