August 29, 2024

Where Is "Do It Again" in the Bible?

Psalm 85

Ellie Shelton
Thursday's Devo

August 29, 2024

Thursday's Devo

August 29, 2024

Thursday's Devo

August 29, 2024

Thursday's Devo

August 29, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 85:4

Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!

Psalm 85

Revive Us Again

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1  LORD, you were favorable to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2  You forgave the iniquity of your people;
    you covered all their sin. Selah
3  You withdrew all your wrath;
    you turned from your hot anger.

4  Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
    and put away your indignation toward us!
5  Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6  Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
7  Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
    and grant us your salvation.

8  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.
9  Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
    that glory may dwell in our land.

10  Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11  Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
    and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12  Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
13  Righteousness will go before him
    and make his footsteps a way.

Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 85:1–3 The verbs in this section are all past tense, looking back to what God has done for the people. Forgave the iniquity recalls Ex. 34:7. Turned from your hot anger (see Ex. 32:12) implies that God forgave his people after they repented of serious unfaithfulness. God has done this in the past for his people, because he is exceedingly kind.

Study Notes

Ps. 85:4–7 The next section appeals to the compassion God has claimed and shown, asking him to restore us again, that is, put away your indignation toward us. For God to be angry with us forever would be contrary to this revealed character. Therefore the people pray, show us your steadfast love (proclaimed in Ex. 34:6), and grant us your salvation.

Study Notes

Ps. 85:8–9 Now the members of the congregation declare their patience in watching for God to act on their prayer. The song has shifted from the plural “we” to the singular “I”: let me hear. Each member is thus making this pledge. There is confidence that God will speak peace to his people, that is, he will agree to the reconciliation they have asked for in vv. 4–7. At the same time, the psalmist prays, let them not turn back to folly. The people who are appealing to God’s kindness should make sure that their repentance is genuine.

Ps. 85:9 glory may dwell in our land. The “glory” is God’s special presence with his people (see note on 63:1–2); see Ex. 24:16 for the same expression.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 85. This is a community lament. It occurs at a time when God has shown his displeasure over his people’s unfaithfulness, perhaps by withholding fruitfulness from the land (vv. 1, 12). The people singing this are seeking forgiveness for the whole people (“us”), asking God to show the steadfast love and faithfulness he proclaimed in Ex. 34:6. Because God is righteous (Ps. 85:10–11, 13)—that is, reliable about his promises—the psalm closes with confidence.

Ps. 85:10–13 The psalm closes with confidence that God will hear their prayer and give them what they ask. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet, that is, in God they are in harmony. God’s righteousness here is his reliability in keeping his promises (especially to his people), and therefore it guarantees the peace (see v. 8). They kiss each other like the affectionate greeting of relatives (e.g., Gen. 29:13; 45:15).

S3:170 Psalm 85

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 85

Psalm 85 is a prayer for revival and a remembrance of God's works. When I think of the goodness of God, I think of His works through Moses and the account in Exodus. Throughout that book, God performs miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea and other incredible things. While not all generations of Israelites could experience these miracles firsthand, recalling them is enough to not lose hope in the Lord during trials.

Unfortunately, the Israelites did not remember this, leading them to stray from God and create idols. But we see in Psalm 85:1-3 God in action helping the Israelites. Here God doesn't explain His attributes; He reveals them through His actions. We should long for an outbreak of God's power, mercy, and glory in our lives as we recognize His glory in the past.

Because of God's glory, He turns revival into joy, as pleaded for in Psalm 85:6. He revives by revealing Himself and saving us (Psalm 85:7). We are unrighteous, in need of renewal and finding joy in God. We learn in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that those who are in Christ can see the glory of God (God revealed) and are being made in the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Our key verse, Psalm 85:4, is a call to revival among the Lord's people. It is calling out for a change in Israel. The psalmist recognizes the goodness God has brought, praying that it will continue in the future. God's all-powerfulness should root our trust in Him and lead us to live with hope and boldness.

The last half of this psalm encourages trust in God. There is also a call to obedience in Psalm 85:8. Renewal does not make a believer immune from all sin, but walking in obedience and abiding with God is our call as believers. As believers, we need to have confidence in the Spirit and His work through the gospel.

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. In trials, it can be difficult to remember God's sovereignty, and the trials can cause us to feel like God is unfaithful. In what practical ways can we reflect on God's work in our lives when we experience trials?

2. How can trials and challenges in our world and lives drive us to a desire for more of God and more admiration for Him?

3. As believers, we are called to be obedient to God. If we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior and our sins have already been paid for, why should believers pursue holiness?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Key change continues in psalm 85 following the seven psalms about enemies attacking. : Psalm 84. Peace in the presence of God. An individual’s prayer Psalm 85. An expectant hope of future grace. A community prayer.. It will open asking God to bless the land and closes looking forward to God blessing the land, even using images of earth and sky. “Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!” “Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. “ What does the glory dwelling in the land look like? Perhaps this is the feeling in the hymn "I'm Dwelling in Beulah Land", a traditional Christian hymn that speaks of the believer's spiritual experience in a place of spiritual rest and victory, referred to as "Beulah Land." The term "Beulah Land" originates from the Bible, specifically from the book of Isaiah 62:4, where "Beulah" means "married." In a spiritual context, it symbolizes the intimate and joyful union between God and His people. The hymn typically describes a place far removed from worldly troubles, characterized by peace and divine presence. The lyrics express joy, security, and confidence in God's protection and provision. The refrain, "I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky, I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry," emphasizes the abundance and satisfaction found in this spiritual dwelling place. “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.” “The LORD gives what is good for the land. “ Good for the land makes a matching bookend with the first verse of the dark book of the psalms, book 3 where it opens “Surely God is good to Israel.” Good for the land. Good for Israel encompassing the people in it. Blessing the land is very broad and looking forward to Jesus the land is probably the whole earth encompassing people from all sorts of groups. It's an irony given the sons of Korah are possibly descended form the original guy who's rebellion caused him to be swallowed up by the land.
MS

mike shelton

Great truth to start our day today Ellie! Asking Him to revive our hearts today, and in the days ahead!
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Ellie. Shout out to another oldest sibling. I had to drive my younger sister and brother around too. I’m not sure if they still have a reputation for being late all the time. “Psalm 85 is a prayer for revival and a remembrance of God's works. When I think of the goodness of God, I think of His works through Moses and the account in Exodus. Throughout that book, God performs miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea and other incredible things.” That is an amazing thought and great statement. When I think of God’s goodness I think of those things too. For this psalm and few other psalms similar to it I think of Numbers 16. And sometimes musicals…I guess since psalms are songs and poetry. And songs and poetry are intended to influence us in different kinds of ways. Do you like musicals? I’m not a big fan. There is one called Hamilton. I haven’t seen it. Apparently it’s about the life of Alexander Hamilton and the part he played in the American revolution. A twist to the play is most of the cast is black and a lot of the songs are hip hop and rap. Without telling the audience a lot has changed in America in 200+ years the play will continually remind its audience, that a lot has changed in the last 200+ years here in America. I imagine this Psalm doing something for its original audience that the Hamilton play does for its audience. The psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah in what is known as a superscript. “To the choirmaster. A psalm of the sons of Korah”. The story of Korah and his rebellion is found in Numbers 16. In Numbers 16 there is no idol worshipping just priest and Israelites. In Numbers God shows up, judgement happens, priest die, Israelites complain about it, then some of the Israelites die. In the psalms complaints are called laments and they are usually about God’s absents and a lack of justice on behalf of Israel towards their enemies. Something obvious is kinda different between the laments recorded in the psalms and the laments recorded in Numbers. In Hamilton black American actors play the parts of historical white Americans. Something obvious is kinda different in play as well. But there’s that purpose behind the difference. Specifically in Numbers there is a narrative describing how God feels about his people. There is no foreign enemy, if there is a threat it is from within. And in the later half of the chapter Aaron has to stand between the dead and the living and make atonement for the people to stop a plague that God has called down on them. Specifically in Psalm 85 the sons of Korah appeal to a side of God that isn’t seen in Numbers 16. Namely the God of Numbers sounds like he will be angry at the house of Korah forever. For me, that is a, ‘oh, that’s a different view of things’ moment. Not exactly like, but sort of like, Psalm 85 looks and sounds different than the wilderness account the way the Hamilton musical looks and sounds different from the actual events it depicts. For both cases my thinking changes a little. I’m thinking both parties are going to make some future mistakes. But I’m not focused on that. Sometimes their greatest enemy is the one within them. But I’m not focused on that either. God is for them, not against them, because in spite of the negative parts of their histories that are yet to come you can see a progress by the way the newer story is being told. I have a renewed hope in their collective stories. Great devotional thank you for sharing it.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Ellie! I LOVED your phrase "an outbreak of God's power, mercy and glory in our lives"--what a great image!! (Shout out to Greg. I had never thought of how the driving sibling can make the others chronically late since we only had one car and, though I am the oldest of 7, my mom wasn't about to give up the keys to anyone else.) What struck me from this psalm is the blessing of God's favor. We tend to be so focused on what Matt Chandler suggests is our culture's #1 idol, comfort, that we want God to give us good STUFF that makes our lives easier. When God longs to give us what we see in v. 10--steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace. Those are SOOOO much bigger and better than mere comfort! I was blessed to look at the definitions of a couple of these words. Peace--SHALOM--is *so* much more than the absence of conflict. Completeness, soundness, welfare, peace 1a) completeness (in number) 1b) safety, soundness (in body) 1c) welfare, health, prosperity 1d) peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment 1e) peace, friendship 1e1) of human relationships 1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship 1f) peace (from war) 1g) peace (as adjective) Steadfast love--HESED--is one of the hardest Hebrew words to grasp because it's SO big and SO encompassing that no English words fully communicate its fullness. From GotQuestions.org: Many biblical words such as mercy, compassion, love, grace, and faithfulness relate to the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), but none of these completely summarize the concept. Hesed is not merely an emotion or feeling but involves action on behalf of someone who is in need. Hesed describes a sense of love and loyalty that inspires merciful and compassionate behavior toward another person. Hesed, found some 250 times in the Old Testament, expresses an essential part of God’s character. When God appeared to Moses to give the Law a second time, He described Himself as “abounding in” or “filled with” hesed, which is translated “love and faithfulness,” “unfailing love,” “faithful love,” “steadfast love,” and “loyal love,” depending on the Bible version (Exodus 34:6–7). The core idea of this term communicates loyalty or faithfulness within a relationship. Thus, hesed is closely related to God’s covenant with His people, Israel. As it relates to the concept of love, hesed expresses God’s faithfulness to His people. Hesed surpasses ordinary kindness and friendship. It is the inclination of the heart to show “amazing grace” to the one who is loved. Hesed runs deeper than social expectations, responsibilities, fluctuating emotions, or what is deserved or earned by the recipient. Hesed finds its home in committed, familial love, and it comes to life in actions.
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Lindsey Driscoll

All I can see in response today is the goodness to God. His goodness is noted in Psalm 85 as: Favor, revival, unfailing love, salvation, peace, love, faithfulness, righteousness, good, and harvest. Is the word Good even enough Lord? Lord help me see your overwhelming goodness today and everyday.
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Amy Lowther

1. I take a step back and reflect on ideas I have learned at service on Sunday or from reading the Bible. Then I apply the biblical ideas from those experiences to each situation as appropriate. 2. Trials and challenges can dig too much into us or go to deep in us and drive us to consider God more than usual. 3. Pursuing holiness helps me know who I am and how the Lord is at work in my life. Ellie - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for recommending “As believers, we need to have confidence in the Spirit and His work through the gospel”. Wonderful!