Awakening: Leaving Spiritual Snoozeville Behind
There’s something about a new year that sparks hope. Even though January 1st is just another date on the calendar, it carries a powerful sense of possibility. A new year whispers, “This could be different. This could be the year.”
As we step into a new year, many of us are optimistic—but also honest enough to admit we’re tired. Spiritually speaking, some of us may not be fully asleep, but we’re not fully awake either. We’re connected to God… yet longing for more. Welcome to what might be called spiritual snoozeville.
The Problem with Snoozeville
Think about your morning alarm. When it goes off, there are two kinds of people: the getter-uppers and the snoozers. Snoozing doesn’t put you back into real sleep—but it doesn’t wake you up either. You’re stuck in a groggy, half-conscious in-between state.
Spiritually, many people live there.
We believe in God. We attend church. We pray occasionally. But deep down, we sense there’s more—more passion, more power, more purpose—than what we’re experiencing. And as we begin this year, the prayer is simple:
“Lord, wake us up.”
What Is Revival, Really?
The word revival comes from a simple root meaning: to live again.
It’s not about creating hype or emotional moments. Revival is what happens when something dormant comes back to life. In Scripture, revival often follows seasons of spiritual drift—when God’s people grow apathetic, distracted, or self-reliant. But when they cry out, God responds.
One of the clearest biblical promises about revival comes from 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
This is a spiritual if–then statement.
If we humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from sin—then God promises to hear, forgive, and restore.
Revival doesn’t begin with crowds.
It begins with ordinary people responding obediently to God.
Where Revival Began
Christian revival traces its roots back to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, about 120 fearful followers gathered in an upper room to pray. When the Holy Spirit came, everything changed.
Fear turned into boldness.
Silence turned into proclamation.
And that day, 3,000 people decided to follow Jesus.
That moment launched the Christian church—and it set a pattern God has repeated throughout history.
Revivals That Shaped America
Throughout U.S. history, revival has reshaped both the church and culture:
- The First Great Awakening (1730s–1750s)
Focused on personal salvation and repentance. Faith became personal, not inherited or institutional. - The Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s)
Emphasized holiness and social reform, fueling movements against slavery, injustice, and inequality. - The Azusa Street Revival (1906–1909)
Broke racial and denominational barriers and birthed the modern Pentecostal movement. - The Jesus Movement (1960s–1970s)
Transformed worship, welcomed outsiders, and reshaped how church looks today—from music to clothing to culture.
Every revival looked different—but the heart behind them was strikingly similar.
Patterns of Every Awakening
Across history, revivals tend to follow five consistent patterns:
- Desperation – A growing sense that society and culture are broken.
- Prayer – A remnant of people crying out to God.
- Repentance – A personal conviction that change starts with us.
- Renewal – The Holy Spirit moving powerfully and purposefully.
- Mission – Revival spills outside church walls into the community.
Revival never stays contained. It always moves outward.
Are We Ready?
Here’s the real question:
If revival happened here, would we be ready for it?
We can’t manufacture revival—but we can prepare for it. Preparation looks like humility, prayer, repentance, and hunger for God.
And there are signs something may already be stirring.
- Public figures are openly exploring faith.
- Bible sales are at historic highs—especially among Gen Z, millennials, and men.
- Even secular media is noticing a renewed interest in Christianity.
God may already be working behind the scenes.
A Simple, Ancient Prayer
The prophet Habakkuk lived in a time of moral decline and national crisis, yet his prayer still echoes today:
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds. Repeat them in our day.”
In other words:
“God, do it again. And start with me.”
As we step into this new year, may we leave spiritual snoozeville behind. May we be fully awake—ready for whatever God wants to do in us, through us, and beyond us.
Because every awakening starts somewhere.
And often, it starts with one willing heart.