Psalm 85:8-12 Living Bible
8 I am listening carefully to all the Lord is saying—for he speaks peace to his people, his saints, if they will only stop their sinning. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who reverence him; our land will be filled with his glory.
10 Mercy and truth have met together. Grim justice [righteousness] and peace have kissed! 11 Truth rises from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings on the land, and it yields its bountiful crops. 13 Justice goes before him to make a pathway for his steps. [we are set in the ways of his steps]
In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us that reverence (fear of the Lord) leads to divine forgiveness and the restoration of our love and joy for God and his presence in our lives. We need God to revive us by pouring his love over us as individuals and as a community of believers worldwide. God promises to care for his own—those who will listen carefully to the Spirit and walk in obedience to the Word. The quality of his care is seen in the love, truth, righteousness and peace we have been imparted for our new life in Christ. Believers are new creations in Christ; born from above. We are not born again so we can be tolerant of sin; our lives now reveal the presence of peace and the work of righteousness for his glory. We are not born again so we can listen to the lies of the enemy which leads to destruction; our lives now reveal the Truth of God’s Word transforming us from glory to glory. We need the blessings of the Lord in our land, so pray for righteousness to rise up in believers everywhere and pave the way for his steps—his glory and eternal reign. He is the King of Glory who is returning for his own and we serve him with our very lives!
Prayer: Come Lord, Jesus! Revive me in your love and help me to reveal truth, righteousness, and peace. May I be set in the ways of your steps! In Jesus’ name. Amen.