Revive us again

   “Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy LORD, And grant us Your Salvation.” (Psalms 85:6-7)

 

 

   These words from Psalms 85 are a precious prayer to our Lord to do what only He can do for the nation of Israel and for our nation today also. This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah and is a wonderful cry to God, as a people remembered just who it is that is responsible for our well being and the only One we can depend upon in times of trouble like we are going through today. It begins like this:

 

   “LORD, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgotten the iniquity of Your people; You have covered their sin. You have taken away all Your wrath; you have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.” (verses 1-3)

 

   God had been favorable to the land of Israel. He had taken them out of captivity in Egypt and later would return them from captivity in Babylon. He had forgotten about His anger over their sin, and was no longer punishing them for forsaking Him so often. God has been favorable to this country (the USA) over the past 300 years. He brought people here who wanted to worship God, without the restraints of the old world. He has blessed this country beyond what any nation in the world has been blessed with; a good government, natural resources and beauty, good leaders, and safety from the domination of other countries unlike any other nation throughout history. 

  

    “I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and 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.” (verses 8-9)

 

   Are you and I hearing what the Lord speaks to us in the Scriptures? He speaks peace to our hearts because He teaches us his statues and how to know Him personally. But we can’t turn back to the folly we were in before we were saved, and we must fear (stand in awe) of Him as He speaks to our hearts and gives us the desire to serve Him wherever He has placed us. 

 

   “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. (verses 10-12)

 

   What an awesome word picture! “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” God brings the best things together for His people. The Lord give His best for His servants that are living for Him and he will provide the increase for our land if we are faithful to love Him and obey His commandments.

 

  Finally the psalmist declares: “Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.” (verse 13)

  

   God leads the way with His righteousness, and we can follow in His footsteps as we allow Him to live through us, and be obedient to the things He has showed us in His Scriptures, and has prompted us with His Holy Spirit. 

 

PRAY

 

1.    Lord, we praise You and magnify Your Holy Name. We praise You for Your mercy, grace, and longsuffering with us each and every day. You are our faithful Lord, our loving Father, and benevolent King!

2.    Revive our hearts, Oh Lord, and start with my heart. I need Your Spirit to guide me and fill me with Your loving guidance so that I can follow in the footsteps You have prepared for me today.

3.    In You “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” We can live for You only because Your Spirit is in us and will take us on the right path. Help me to be obedient to Your leading today.