Revival Begins Within

There’s been a phrase that’s run through my head for years: “Peace begins within.”  Theologically it’s not completely sound; true peace comes solely from knowing Christ.  That said, there is an element of truth in the statement.  At some point in time, the individual makes the decision whether to heed the voice of Jesus through the Spirit.  Many hear the voice.  But take action and follow Him?  That’s a decision each person must make for themselves.

Another thought that’s been weighing on me lately, or more accurately been weighing on me when I’m actually capable of thought (been quite the scatterbrained dingleberry lately with little if any ability to focus) is the definition of revival.  To me, revival is a simple matter of getting back to the fundamentals when you’ve been slipping off your foundation.  It isn’t reinventing the wheel, nor is it an excuse for not working toward progression and growth.  It is a reconnection with what, or in the case of Christ Who, sparks life.

While the Giver of life should reign supreme when evaluating what gives you life (not altogether certain whether that should be greeted with “amen” or “well gee duh,” but I digress), other elements deserve inclusion.  Spend some time with a cherished memento privately celebrating the good things of which it sparks remembrance.  Be young again, or still for those of you currently in the whippersnapper category, via cranking up some tunes by your favorite artist or band you’ve neglected to as of late give a listen.  Say a simple hi to someone in your address book you haven’t heard from in a while.  Do something — anything — that you once loved but have for whatever reason allowed to lie fallow.  Provided it’s not destructive to yourself or others.

It’s more than difficult to find refuge and refreshment in anything when your primary thought is either whether your next paycheck will pay the bills or when there will be a next paycheck.  Few things kill the human spirit like financial concerns.  Yet it is precisely these times when we most need to reacquaint ourselves with the building blocks of joy.  We can do this.  We can encourage and comfort each other.  We can make the connection with the fundamentals of life, from them drawing refreshment and a renewed ability to get through these things that can and will beat us down but can never leave us beaten.

Let’s revive revival.  Within.  And together.