“We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long” (Psalm 74:9).
TEXT — Psalm 74:1-23
Message
The story is told of how Starbucks Corporation, the popular American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington, reclaimed four shipping containers and made a pretty cool store out of them. They say the containers are “reclaimed, refurnished, renewed and revived.” The company is now world’s largest coffeehouse chain. Through that decisive and deliberate investment, the company was able to re-produce something new and useful from things that were losing their usefulness and relevance. How this action speaks to what God does in our hearts in response to sincere prayers for revival and restoration!
In our passage today, Asaph decried the state of spiritual decline Israel faced at this time. They were subjected to incessant attacks by foreign nations. The prophetic authority had waned and their national progress was tanked. What brings back the presence and approval of God is not our loud prayers of binding and loosing. Often, it is acknowledgment of our faults.
Restoration to God’s favour begins when we come to Him with a plea and prayer for revival. When we are confronted with a lot of troubles, reproaches, setbacks and disappointments and it seems we are out of touch with God, then we should seek His face for the restoration of His presence and grace.
This study calls for a sober reflection and comprehensive assessment of our status with God. We must join our faith with Asaph in asking God to restore the missing signs of His presence and power with us as in former times. Restoration for a prosperous life and ministry is possible if we pray for it passionately.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
