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Fairfax Presbyterian Church, December 4 2020

Advent Devotion: Psalm 85

Psalm 85, by Gita Pippin


1 You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

Reading this passage, one might think  that having earthly wealth is considered as a sign of God’s mercy to us; but I believe this passage has the same meaning as Proverb 30:7,8, and part of the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus has explained the meaning of the verse in detail. Earthly goods and wealth are fine; however, using it correctly and glorifying God with it is more important, than having it and storing them without any fruit. It is like having an umbrella and not opening it when it is raining hard.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.

Psalm 103:3,4 healing follows forgiveness, and the result is redemption of life. These two passages are the essence of God’s grace to us. Psalm 68:13,14 illustrate the extended of God’s love and grace for us. One of my favorites stories of Bible is Luke 23:40-43. The answer that thief received at the cross. I always (assumed), that I am much better than so many people, now I have realized that I am lower than that thief, but grace has covered my iniquity.

3 You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.

Grace has shown His mercy more than His wrath. God’s love covers our sins. I like how Jeremiah 10:24 he pleaded with God.  We always connect wrath with displeasing, but I believe God’s wrath toward believers is His way of reminding us to be connected to Him.

5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

The author may think we are under the wrath and curse of God if they did not obey God’s law, but these were before Christ.

7 Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what God the LORD says, he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.

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

10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Proverb 3:3-5. Gives us a guidance (map of) how to show God’s love. Proverb 8:7 has explained God’s love but in a different way (more spiritual).

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.

These two verses are the result of God’s forgiveness. The concept of more yield and financial stability has appeared  here too.

13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

This is the ultimate reward for any human. Hope of forgiveness, and love are hopes in life. Song of Song 2:11-13, and  Amos 9: 11-15 and many more places in Bible have illustrated this concept but in different form. I believe all of them and more are small glimpses of God’s glory.

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Fairfax Presbyterian Church

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Previous Advent Devotion: Hosea 6:1–3
Next Advent Devotion: John 8:12–16