Studies in the Psalm - Psalm 85

The history of Israel is a history of new starts, followed by new failures. Psalm 85 reminds us of their pattern.

Psalm 85:1-3

LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.  You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah  You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.

In the past, God had withdrawn His anger from the Jews. They had a new start. As the psalmist reminds God of this in this prayer, he then turns the prayer into a new request for more grace and mercy to come to His people.

Psalm 85:4-7
Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!  Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?  Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?  Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.

Like Israel, I do the same thing. I wake up in the morning basking in the joy of God’s new mercies, and by the end of the day I seem to have returned to the same sinful habits I had yesterday. Maybe you can relate.

Psalm 85:8-9
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.  Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

Christians are called saints in the New Testament. This psalm, though written historically to the Jews, is also for us. Our needs are the same. We need to hear the peace of God. We need to not turn back to our folly. We need to fear God so that His glory will dwell in our land as well. Surely His salvation is near to us.

Psalm 85:10-13
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.  Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.  Yes, the LORD

will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.  Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.

Verse 10 is one of the most amazing scriptures in all the Bible. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.  This speaks of Jesus.

When Jesus comes back, we will be changed. He will complete the work He has started in us. Our sanctification will be complete. But until then, we are a work in progress and we will resemble the nation of Israel. But Through Jesus, in spite of our sinful failings, we are still seen righteous if we are covered by the blood of Christ.

We must go continually before Jesus in confession and repentance. We must hear what God says and we must obey. But this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

Fear God. Then His salvation will be near us and His glory will dwell in the land.