Passage: Psalm 85
The Big Idea
Psalm 85 remembers past grace (God forgave, covered all sin and turned from His wrath), then asks for fresh revival: Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? It ends with one of the most beautiful pictures of the gospel in the Old Testament: Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. At the cross, they meet in Jesus.
Reflections
Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob (v. 1). When I’ve run away, You’ve always brought me back. That keeps me humble and trains my faith.
You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin (v. 2). Wonderful! I’m such a sinner, yet You’ve covered it all. My sin is the enemy’s only weapon to keep me passive, sad or angry. If I simply agree with You and let it go, I can walk in step with Your Spirit and enjoy the relationship You’ve provided.
You have taken away all Your wrath (v. 3). You have no anger toward me, only love. Jesus, You made this real. You absorbed all the infinite wrath of God and did what I never could. I’ll live with this before my eyes. I’ll fail again, I know, but help me do Your will.
Restore us, O God of our salvation (vv. 4-5). Now I engage with You, asking You to restore and shower us with blessing. You’re our only hope. Help me be a good father, husband and pastor today. I need Your love, grace and mercy like air. I can’t walk on my own, and I don’t want to.
Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? (v. 6). You’re my glory and joy. I want my greatest joy to be found in You. My relationship with You must come first.
Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation (v. 7). We need it so badly. My life and ministry are all Yours. I abide in Your promise of grace.
I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people (v. 8). I’ve turned back so many times. Bring me back for good. Take my idols and fill me with Your satisfaction and peace. I’ve heard Your voice before, and I hear it in Your Word every day. Keep me open.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land (v. 9). I don’t fear You as I should; I’m too self-focused. Come near and let Your glory dwell with us.
Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed (v. 10). All in Jesus! Mercy for my sin, and truth planted in my life. True freedom and true righteousness. This life can only be experienced through the gospel.
Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven (v. 11). Jesus came, the Truth springing up from the earth, and righteousness from heaven met Him.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase (v. 12). My fruit is tied directly to the Son. Your cross produces my fruit.
Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway (v. 13). I’ll follow in Your footsteps. Jesus, You’re my life, my direction and my way.
Grace Takeaway
At the cross, God didn’t have to choose between mercy and truth, or between righteousness and peace. In Jesus they met and kissed. All His wrath is turned away, all your sin is covered, and His footsteps are now your path.
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