We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.
Read Psalm 85 Listen to Psalm 85
Podcast (cnc-daily-psalms): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:16 — 3.9MB)
The writer looks at his nation which is now broken and in distress. This may have been in Nehemiah’s time at the return from the exile. He is looking for a fresh start in life (verse 6) indeed a resurrection life (MSG). In verses 1 to 3 he remembers that God had righteous anger against Israel’s sin, but he chose to forgive, cool it, and restore the nation with his favour. When we turn back to God, he restores and revives us again. We rejoice and sing as does heaven.
But now (verse 8-13) will he do it again and bring peace and right living to this fractured country? The answer comes in verse 8. God reminds us that he promises peace because he loves those that fear and trust in him (verse 8). But first we must not return to our folly. The Holy Spirit will search our hearts and show us what this is. This peace is intimately connected to right living and whole living that embrace and kiss. Similarly, his love and our faithfulness will sow green shoots of truth in our community and a harvest of bounty and blessing. We long to see this picture in our nation. We will see it when Christ establishes the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
The church sees verses 10 to 13 as a prophetic fulfilment in the incarnation of God seen in the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Through his life death and resurrection, we have this peace even in the face of trials and difficulties that may not disappear. It is a peace with God (Romans 5:1) and it is near those who put their trust in him.
Lord, thank you that you make it possible to make a new start and know your peace. We long Lord that your Heavenly kingdom will touch our nation now. Please help us to sow new shoots of love and right living into our community.