Introduction:
Have you ever felt spiritually dull or indifferent? Has the Word of God lost its excitement—the very Word that led you to salvation? We all go through seasons like this. Our zeal fades, and our hearts can even grow hard to God and His Word. Why does this happen?
It’s easy to blame our circumstances, or maybe we convince ourselves it’s just a phase. But I believe there are deeper spiritual battles at play that we may not always recognize. We have an enemy—Satan and his fallen angels—working to make us ineffective in our Christian walk.
Another reason we grow spiritually dull is that we take God’s Word for granted. Perhaps we’ve heard a passage so many times that it no longer excites us the way it once did.
And then, there’s sin. We all struggle with it. We allow sin to take a seat at the table of our hearts, and before we know it, it becomes the head of the table, replacing the Lord of Lords. We stop dealing with it, and sin starts controlling us.
Lastly, God may not have delivered us as we expected. In our suffering, we may question His goodness or wonder if we can truly trust Him in our trials.
But here’s the hope: Even in the midst of this dullness, revival is possible. Let’s explore how.
Day 1: Spiritual Dullness and the Need for Revival
Scripture:
Revelation 3:15–16
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Application/Reflection:
Even Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” experienced seasons of spiritual dryness. Despite his passionate faith and decades of ministry, Spurgeon went through moments where he felt distant from God. He confessed:
“I had been laboring under an oppression which I could not get rid of, and I could not even feel the sweetness of my Lord’s presence. I had grown dull to the Word of God.”
Reflect on your own spiritual walk. Have there been times when you’ve felt spiritually dull or lukewarm? What were the reasons behind it—whether distractions, discouragement, or even sin? Recognizing that spiritual dullness is common allows us to take the first step toward revival.
Go Deeper:
- Romans 12:1-2 speaks of renewing the mind and offering our bodies as living sacrifices. Reflect on how the renewal of your mind can lead to the revitalization of your spirit.
- Consider reading Psalm 51 to understand the heart of repentance and revival. Notice the progression from confession to restoration and joy. How can these elements shape your own spiritual renewal?
Day 2: The Turning Point—Seeking God in Prayer
Scripture:
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Application/Reflection:
Spurgeon’s turning point came when he earnestly prayed for revival:
“Lord, revive me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. I cannot do this without You.”
When we experience spiritual dullness, it’s time to pray for renewal. Spurgeon didn’t give up; he kept praying, asking God to restore the joy he had once felt. Revival begins with acknowledging our need for God. Like Spurgeon, we must come to God in humility, admitting that we can’t do it on our own.
Go Deeper:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 encourages us to humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways to experience healing and revival.
- Dive into Nehemiah 1:4-11 where Nehemiah prays for the restoration of Jerusalem. This prayer is deeply rooted in repentance, intercession, and action. Spend time writing your own prayer of renewal based on this passage.
Day 3: Ezra’s Heart Preparation for Revival
Scripture:
Ezra 7:10
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Application/Reflection:
In the Bible, we see another example of revival in the life of Ezra. Ezra was preparing to lead the Israelites back to God after their exile in Babylon. Before doing anything, Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
Ezra’s preparation is essential for our own revival. It starts with the heart. Are you actively preparing your heart to seek God’s Word? Revival is not a passive process. It requires intentionality and a willingness to let God work in your life.
Our prayer of preparation is crucial. We must ask God to incline our hearts to His Word, because without His action in our lives, we cannot be revived. The dull of heart lack the passion and drive to hear and obey the Word. It is only by God’s grace and intervention that we can experience the spiritual revival we so desperately need.
Go Deeper:
- Explore 1 Samuel 7:3-6 where Samuel calls for a return to the Lord with all the heart. This passage highlights the importance of commitment to God before revival can happen. How can you prepare your heart in the same way?
- Reflect on the challenge in Matthew 13:18-23 where Jesus speaks about the different soils of the heart. Consider which “soil” describes your heart today and how you can cultivate a heart that seeks God more earnestly.
Day 4: Seeking and Doing the Word of God
Scripture:
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Application/Reflection:
True revival doesn’t stop with hearing the Word; it requires action. As James 1:22 reminds us, we are to be “doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Revival means actively living out God’s Word in our daily lives. It’s about being faithful in the small moments and being courageous enough to obey God’s commands. Ask yourself: Are you living out what God is speaking to you through His Word? Are there areas of obedience you’ve been resisting?
Go Deeper:
- Meditate on Luke 6:46-49 where Jesus describes the wise builder who listens to His Word and applies it. How can you build your life on the rock of God’s Word today?
- Dig into Matthew 7:24-27 and examine what it looks like to be a doer of the Word when the storms of life come. How does building your foundation on obedience to Christ bring stability in times of trial?
Day 5: Revival in Action—Sharing the Word with Others
Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Application/Reflection:
Revival isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Just as Ezra was called to teach God’s Word to others, we too are called to share what we’ve learned. Whether it’s through conversations with friends, family, or neighbors, we are entrusted with passing on the wisdom we’ve received.
The greatest Word we can share is the truth of Jesus Christ—the ultimate revival of the soul. Every conversation, every action, should point others to Him.
Go Deeper:
- Study Matthew 28:18-20 and reflect on the Great Commission. How is God calling you to share the gospel in your current context?
- Take time to read Acts 2:42-47 to understand the early church’s model of sharing and growing in faith together. How can you be intentional about discipling others and investing in the spiritual growth of those around you?
Reflection & Prayer:
If you find yourself feeling spiritually dull, remember that revival begins with prayer. Like Spurgeon, you don’t have to remain in a dry season. Ask God to restore the joy of your salvation and trust that He will meet you in your weakness.
Reflect on the state of your heart. Are you prepared to seek God’s Word and do it? Revival starts with a heart humbled before God and a desire for His Word to come alive in you once again.
Closing Scripture:
Psalm 119:36–37 NKJV
“Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.”