Psalm 85
Prayer for Revival and Restoration
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Intro
Psalm 85 is a heartfelt prayer for revival and restoration, reflecting the psalmist's deep yearning for God's forgiveness, mercy, and peace. As we explore this Psalm through a New Covenant lens, we find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who brings about a spiritual revival and reconciliation between God and humanity.
Section 1: Remembrance of God's Favor (Verses 1-3)
"Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger."
Harmony
The forgiveness and favor of God, recounted by the psalmist, finds its ultimate expression in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus brought about a comprehensive forgiveness that covers all our sin (Ephesians 1:7) and turned away God's wrath (Romans 5:9).
Talking Points
The remembrance of God's past favor and forgiveness as a source of hope.
The comprehensive forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.
The expression of God's favor in turning away His wrath through the work of Christ.
Questions
How does remembering God's past acts of favor and forgiveness encourage us in our current circumstances?
How does the forgiveness received through Jesus Christ compare to the forgiveness mentioned by the psalmist?
How do we understand God's wrath and its relation to Jesus' work on the cross?
Section 2: Plea for Restoration (Verses 4-7)
"Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."
Harmony
The plea for restoration resonates with the mission of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and bring spiritual revival. Moreover, the New Testament reiterates God's steadfast love and salvation manifested supremely in Christ (Romans 8:39, Ephesians 2:4-5).
Talking Points
The earnest plea for restoration and revival.
The role of Jesus in bringing about restoration and spiritual revival.
The New Testament's emphasis on God's steadfast love and salvation found in Christ.
Questions
How do we identify with the psalmist's plea for restoration in our spiritual lives?
How does Jesus bring about the restoration and revival the psalmist longs for?
How do we experience God's steadfast love and salvation in our lives today?
Section 3: Promise of Peace (Verses 8-13)
"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, 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. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way."
Harmony
The promise of peace and righteousness in this Psalm is fully realized in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He not only brings peace (John 14:27) but also embodies righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), reconciling love and faithfulness, and making a way for us to walk in His righteous paths.
Talking Points
The promise of peace spoken by God to His people.
The intersection of steadfast love and faithfulness, and righteousness and peace in Christ.
The implication of Jesus' righteousness for our walk with Him.
Questions
How do we experience the peace of God spoken about in this Psalm in our lives today?
How do we see the meeting of steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace in the person of Jesus Christ?
How does Jesus' righteousness guide our spiritual journey?
Summary
Psalm 85 beautifully captures the earnest plea for God's forgiveness, mercy, revival, and peace. As believers living under the New Covenant, we see the fulfillment of these yearnings in Jesus Christ. The forgiveness and favor of God, so powerfully recounted by the psalmist, finds their ultimate expression in Jesus who, through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, provides comprehensive forgiveness and turns away God's wrath.
The plea for restoration and revival, filled with hope and expectation, resonates with the mission of Jesus, who came to bring spiritual revival and restoration. The New Testament frequently highlights God's steadfast love and the salvation available to us in Christ, reinforcing and expanding the psalmist's yearnings.
Finally, the promised peace and the beautiful meeting of steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace are fully embodied in Christ. He is our peace and righteousness, marking out a way for us to walk in His footsteps. Through Jesus, we experience the rich fulfillment of the deep longings expressed in Psalm 85, as He brings forgiveness, restoration, revival, and peace to our lives.