Saturday
You showed favor to your land, O Lord; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.
You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.
Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints – but let them not return to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”
(Psalm 85, NIV)
Psalm 85 appears to be a communal prayer asking God to once again revive his people in their distress. It begins with a recollection of God’s mercy in the past and then expresses the hope that God will “restore us again” (v. 4a). The psalmist begs God not to be angry with his people any longer, but to offer them salvation and “unfailing love” (v. 7).
The second part of this psalm offers a reassuring word that their prayer will be answered and that God’s salvation is “near.” God’s intention for his people is powerfully stated in the famous words: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (v. 10). The psalmist continues: “The Lord will indeed give what is good” (v. 12). The God of peace desires that his people have everything that their hearts desire for a full and harmonious life in his creation.
The intimate connection between God’s peace and God’s righteousness or justice is established in a memorable way in this psalm – they kiss! When there is justice, there will be peace; when there is peace, justice reigns. The harmony of God’s creation is built on right relationships. That is God’s desire for his world.
Prayer
God of creation, we praise you and thank you for your desire to give us “what is good.” We confess that often our desires are not for what is right. We rejoice that justice and peace are part of your character and are reflected in your creation. Save us and others from the sin in our hearts which distorts the world you have created. Amen.