Psalm 85 – Revive us O Lord
(by Vergis Mathew)
God’s favour remembered (verses 1-3)
The Psalmist recollects God’s favour over long period, including restoring Israel’s fortunes from Babylonian invaders. God forgave all their wickedness, immorality, blanked out their sins, withdrew His wrath and turned away His burning anger against them.
Plea for revival (verses 4-7)
The Psalmist prayerfully pleads and asks God to restore His relationship as their Saviour by casting aside His grave unhappiness towards them. He is concerned that God may continue His anger forever and for all generations. He continues to plead for their revival one more time and bring again rejoicing to Israel. He pleads for God’s steadfast lovingkindness and for salvation.
Commit to listen carefully (verses 8-9)
The Psalmist listens attentively, with expectant hope on God’s words. God promises peace to His saints, following rescue from the Babylonians. However, God warns sternly not to again foolishly follow other gods. The Psalmist believes that salvation is at hand for those who are reverent, fear and obey God. Surely then, His glory will dwell among them.
God’s favour returns (verses 10-13)
Gods unfailing promises, steadfast love and truth come together. Righteousness and peace hold hands. Our faithfulness and truth meet His righteousness from heaven. God surely gives only good to His people, including bountiful harvest. God’s righteousness goes ahead of His saints, making their path straight.
Summary
We do well to remember Gods everlasting goodness and faithfulness towards us all, especially when we face ‘down’ situations. Listen carefully to His voice as we search His Word. Remember – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8.
Let’s Read Psalm 85
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
4 Restore us again, God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
Let’s Pray
Our Father in Heaven, how we thank you for your Hand of protection and blessing over each one of us. Your love endures the ages. We at times find that difficult to fathom. Only You can restore and revive us when we fall. Lord we come to You and want to listen to your voice. Lord hold us tight and make our path straight. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen
This devotional was kindly contributed by Dr. Chow Li Sze and her channel Heavenly Devotion. You may find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/HeavenlyDevotion/videos
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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