Revival Begins with a Restored Voice
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 33:11)
Jeremiah prophesied restoration while Jerusalem remained broken, the people were displaced, and the land was under judgment. What would be the instrument to bring deliverance? It was the voice of joy.
He didn’t say, “and everything will be perfect” or “you will see the answer come and then you will rejoice.” He said there will be several “voices” that come before the answer because revival always starts with a restored voice before a restored land.
When people are oppressed, discouraged, or traumatized, the first thing to disappear is their voice. They stop speaking up for themselves and fall into silence. God begins restoration by restoring the voices of faith.
Jeremiah clearly stated that these voices will bring the “sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord." Praise becomes sacrificial when we don’t feel like giving it, especially when circumstances seem to argue against it. Anyone can praise after victory is achieved. Faith-filled people praise before the outcome is visible.
God links the restoration to the return of praise in the house of God. This isn’t quiet, private praise. It’s a public declaration of who God is and what He has promised, as we sing together with other believers. This kind of praise carries authority, breaks chains, and loosens what has kept you bound.
Practical Application
Be intentional about the sound that comes from your home. Pay attention to the words spoken by you and your family. Don’t let complaining, doubt, or frustration set the tone. Choose joy, practice gratitude, and let worship become the language your household speaks most fluently.
Habakkuk 3:17–19; Isaiah 54:1