Psalms 85 — Out of Confusion…

I was a little confused when I began reading Psalms 85. It talks about how God was favorable to the land, etc. and then asks God to restore them and not be angry…

There must have been something going on sons of Korah’s brain. Maybe the first part is the memory of when God blessed; the second part the reality of what they are living through?

Trying to blend the beauty of the past with the pain of the present leads to a series of questions:

  • How long? (It feels like forever, there is no end as this goes on for generations!)
  • Will you? (Is it your will to revive us?)

It reminds me of the parents of prodigals I pray with. They pray salvation for their kids, remembering when they were children, walking in the Lord, holding them in their arms. Yet now they are now in a living hell, facing addictions and rejection.

It reminds me of a friend, struggling with cancer, remembering the ministry she used to have, people she could pour her life into. Now pain and exhaustion, day after day, keeps her immobile. She is growing faint.

Then…

“Let me hear what God the LORD will speak.”

The moment of clarity.

I need to be quiet and quit fluttering around in my head and heart. Remember how he said, “Be still and know that I am God.” In good times or bad, this is all I need.

Why? Because he is God, my LORD, and he will speak.

“For he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.” As I hear from the Lord (reading his word; being still), I experience peace. I have the strength to not turn back to the folly of not believing that he loves me, protects me, is here with me in my life.

“Surely his salvation is near…Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; Righteousness and peace kiss each other… Yes, the Lord will give what is good…”

Just listen.

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One Response to Psalms 85 — Out of Confusion…

  1. Jennifer Elder says:

    Amen!

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