Chapter 85

Will You not revive us again,

That Your people may rejoice in You? (Psalm 85:6)

This prayer for revival is rooted in the biblical understanding of revival as a work of God, not something that can be achieved through human effort or strength. The phrase "Will You not revive us again" implies a recognition of the need for divine intervention and a surrendering of control to God's will. The prayer acknowledges that revival is a gift from God and that one may and should pray for it with godly expectation.

But let them not turn back to folly. (Psalm 85:8)

The psalmist has been praying for relief for the Israelites. He has been praying that they would experience the peace and prosperity of God. The problem with peace and prosperity is that they can dull our spiritual senses and the need for God and the salvation that he offers. We are always tempted to think that we are responsible for whatever goodness has befallen us. Distancing ourselves from God in this way is the height of folly of which the psalmist warns us.

Mercy and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed. (Psalm 85:10)

Mercy and truth have met together: Mercy and truth always go together. One cannot function without another. Grace that does not go hand in hand with truth is false grace.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17)

Righteousness and peace have kissed: In God’s great work of salvation, His righteousness and peace are the best of friends. We are now the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and hence we have peace with the Father.

Truth shall spring out of the earth (Psalm 85:11)

Archaeological digs only prove the validity of God’s Word (the truth). So in a sense, truth springs out of the earth.

Righteousness will go before Him,

And shall make His footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85:13)

Righteousness will go before Him: Integrity prepares a way before you. My definition of Integrity is ‘Doing the right things even when no one is watching. The Heavenly City of New Jerusalem has 12 foundations (Revelation 21:19-20). In the same manner, one of the foundations for balanced success in life is ‘Integrity.’ Are you walking in Integrity?

Make His footsteps our pathway: This is a call to follow the example of Jesus and to walk in His ways. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal is to imitate the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His love, grace, and wisdom to guide us in our daily lives.

This concept is rooted in several biblical passages that encourage believers to imitate the life and teachings of Jesus and to walk in His footsteps.

In 1 Peter 2:21, the apostle Peter writes, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." This passage highlights the importance of following the example set by Jesus and living a life that reflects His teachings and character.

In John 13:15, Jesus says, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." This verse highlights the call to follow Jesus' example in serving others and living a life of love and sacrifice.

In Philippians 2:5, Paul writes, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." This passage encourages believers to imitate the humility and selflessness of Jesus, who emptied Himself and became a servant to others.