In the Old Testament, God promised to bring peace or wholeness and well-being to earth. In our passage today, the psalmist calls for the Lord’s salvation. As well, he calls God’s people to fear the Lord which means to give respect and awe to the Giver of all blessings.
When the blessings of God come together on earth—love, truth, righteousness, and peace—it begins to transform human hearts by making them new creations. Father God fulfilled the salvation promise when he sent the righteous Word, Jesus, from heaven to save our souls by dying on the cross (John 3:16; 1 Tim 1:15). God resurrected him and Jesus now sits in honor at the right hand of God the Father waiting on the appointed time to return (1 Peter 3:22). There are very few things I value as much as I do a sense of well-being—shalom; it’s wholeness and only Jesus can provide it for the believer. He is my treasure!
In the New Testament, Jesus expressed the urgent need for wholeness to his disciples, “I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order (John 16:33). So we must focus on the wholeness God brings our lives, because it makes all the difference in a day. May the eyes of the world be opened to the glorious One who makes us whole! Hang on to you peace, today!
Psalm 85:7-13 NLT
7
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
9
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.
10
Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
11
Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
12
Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
13
Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps.
Prayer: Lord, love and truth, as well as righteousness and peace have been deposited into believing hearts. Thank you for saving us and making us new creations in Christ. Thank you for the grace and blessings you continually bestow upon us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.