We do not own the land. We hold it in trust for tomorrow. We take our living for it, but we must leave it rich for your son and for his sons and for all of those who shall follow.”
–Louis L’Amour (Hondo)
“O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.”
“O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.”
–Psalm 16:5-6 (NKJV)
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The second part of Psalm 85 speaks directly to what we need today. Remember, this is a Psalm of revival–the return of the heart of the individual to the Lord and the return of the nations to God’s holy principles.
Starting with verse 8, we see what will happen if there is a revival: God will speak peace. It makes me wonder how many times God has spoken peace to my life or to our nation. Peace is “more than a cessation of conflict or trouble. It represents fulfillment, wellness and contentment, the absence of lack.” (George O. Wood) Ah, sweet relief, but watch out! There is a warning: “let them not turn back to their folly,” or “their foolish ways.” This is recalling what happened to them when the Lord sent them into bondage under Babylon. They were living independent of God which is sin.
8 — I will hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and 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 — Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 — Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 — Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase.
13 — Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway (NKJV)
If there is a true revival the people will rejoice in the Lord, they will revere His name, no longer would it be sullied. Mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace will work together in harmony. George Wood puts it this way, “True love never exists without faithfulness, and true peace never comes without inward integrity. You cannot say you love someone who you have abandoned, and your peace is plastic if you violated God’s will to get it.” Not only will it bring health to the soul of the individual, the land itself will produce a great harvest.
There must be a call for righteousness if there be true revival. “Wherever God’s presence is manifested in the restoration of His people, righteousness will be clearly seen in the lives of God’s people.” (Max Anders) When Nehemiah went back to build the walls, Ezra found the Word of God buried. True revival ignites the buried Word, take time to read of the revival in Ezra.
One more thought. Look at the beginning of verse 8, “I will hear…” (NKJV) “I listen carefully…” (NLT) “I will listen…” (NIV) It is time for each of us to “listen/hear.” Jesus said he who has an ear to listen. Listening is a very important communication skill. Of all the communication skills, listening should be the predominant, and yet have you ever taken a course in listening? We are to “listen” and by doing so it becomes ingrained in our hearts and will lead to fruition in our lives. Listening and doing go together.
“O praise ye the Lord!
Praise Him upon the earth,
In tuneful accord, ye sons of new birth;
Praise Him who hath brought you
His grace from above;
Praise Him who hath taught you
To sing of His love.”
–Henry W. Baker
—————————————-
The second part of Psalm 85 speaks directly to what we need today. Remember, this is a Psalm of revival–the return of the heart of the individual to the Lord and the return of the nations to God’s holy principles.
Starting with verse 8, we see what will happen if there is a revival: God will speak peace. It makes me wonder how many times God has spoken peace to my life or to our nation. Peace is “more than a cessation of conflict or trouble. It represents fulfillment, wellness and contentment, the absence of lack.” (George O. Wood) Ah, sweet relief, but watch out! There is a warning: “let them not turn back to their folly,” or “their foolish ways.” This is recalling what happened to them when the Lord sent them into bondage under Babylon. They were living independent of God which is sin.
8 — I will hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and 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 — Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 — Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 — Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase.
13 — Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway (NKJV)
If there is a true revival the people will rejoice in the Lord, they will revere His name, no longer would it be sullied. Mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace will work together in harmony. George Wood puts it this way, “True love never exists without faithfulness, and true peace never comes without inward integrity. You cannot say you love someone who you have abandoned, and your peace is plastic if you violated God’s will to get it.” Not only will it bring health to the soul of the individual, the land itself will produce a great harvest.
There must be a call for righteousness if there be true revival. “Wherever God’s presence is manifested in the restoration of His people, righteousness will be clearly seen in the lives of God’s people.” (Max Anders) When Nehemiah went back to build the walls, Ezra found the Word of God buried. True revival ignites the buried Word, take time to read of the revival in Ezra.
One more thought. Look at the beginning of verse 8, “I will hear…” (NKJV) “I listen carefully…” (NLT) “I will listen…” (NIV) It is time for each of us to “listen/hear.” Jesus said he who has an ear to listen. Listening is a very important communication skill. Of all the communication skills, listening should be the predominant, and yet have you ever taken a course in listening? We are to “listen” and by doing so it becomes ingrained in our hearts and will lead to fruition in our lives. Listening and doing go together.
“O praise ye the Lord!
Praise Him upon the earth,
In tuneful accord, ye sons of new birth;
Praise Him who hath brought you
His grace from above;
Praise Him who hath taught you
To sing of His love.”
–Henry W. Baker